Hospital bed

ABSTRACT

A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck including a seat section and a foot section movable relative to the seat section. The bed further including a mechanism that control movement of the foot section relative to the seat section.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This application is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/731,720, filed Dec. 9, 2003, now U.S. pat. No. 6,957,461, which isexpressly incorporated by reference herein. U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/731,720 is a divisional and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/750,741, filed Dec. 29, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.6,658,680, titled Hospital Bed, which claims benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/173,428, filed Dec. 29, 1999, titled HospitalBed; a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/751,031, filed Dec. 29, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,346, titledFoot Controls for a Bed, which claims benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/173,428, filed Dec. 29, 1999, titled HospitalBed; a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/648,053, filed Aug. 26, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,189, titledPatient Support which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/750,859, filed Dec. 29, 2000, titled Mattress Having aRetractable Foot Section, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,611,979, which claimsbenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/173,428, filed Dec.29, 1999, titled Hospital Bed; and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/657,696, filed Sep. 8, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No.7,296,312, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/408,698, filed Sep. 6, 2002, titled HospitalBed; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/409,748, filed Sep.11, 2002, titled Bed Siderail; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 60/489,171, filed Jul. 22, 2003, titled Hospital Bed; and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/490,467, filed Jul. 28, 2003,titled Hospital Bed, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporatedby reference herein. The disclosures of PCT Application PCT/US98/20002,titled Hospital Bed Having a Retracting Foot Section, filed Sep. 23,1998, to Allen et al.; U.S. Utility Patent Application Ser. No.09/750,859, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,611,979, titled Mattress Having aRetractable Foot Section, filed Dec. 29, 2000, to Welling et al.; andU.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 09/751,031, now U.S. Pat. No.6,691,345, titled Foot Controls for a Bed, filed Dec. 29, 2000, toOsborne et al. are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

The present invention relates to a hospital bed. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to a hospital bed siderails and a controllercoupled to one of the siderail.

Hospital bed and other patient supports are known. Typically, suchpatient supports are used to provide a support surface for patients orother individuals for treatment, recuperation, or rest. Many suchpatient supports include a frame, a deck supported by the frame, amattress, siderails configured to block egress of a patient from themattress, and a controller configured to control one or more features ofthe bed.

According to the present invention, a patient support is provided. Thepatient support includes a frame, a deck supported by the frame, and amechanism. The deck includes a seat section pivotable relative to theframe to move between first and second positions and a foot sectionpivotable relative to the seat section to move between first and secondpositions. The mechanism is configured to control movement of the footsection relative to the seat section. The mechanism is configured tomove between a first position wherein the foot section remainssubstantially horizontal when the seat section moves from the firstposition to the second position and a second position wherein the footsection deviates from being substantially horizontal when the seatsection moves from the first position to the second position.

According to another aspect of the present invention, another patientsupport is provided including a frame, a deck, and a linkage. The deckis supported by the frame and includes a seat section pivotable relativeto the frame to move between first and second positions and a footsection pivotable relative to the seat section to move between first andsecond positions. The linkage has a first end and a second end coupledto the foot section of the deck. The linkage has a first configurationwherein a distance between the first and second ends remainssubstantially constant during movement of the seat section between thefirst and second positions and a second configuration wherein thedistance substantially decreases during movement of the seat sectionbetween the first and second positions.

According to another aspect of the present invention another patientsupport is provided including a frame and a deck supported by the frame.The deck includes a seat section pivotable relative to the frame to movebetween first and second positions and a foot section pivotable relativeto the seat section. The seat section and foot section cooperate todefine an angle when the seat section is in the second position. Thepatient support further includes means for selecting the angle definedbetween the seat and foot section rotation when the seat section is inthe second position.

Additional features of the present invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiment exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hospital bed showing the hospital bedincluding a frame, a deck coupled to and positioned above the frame, aheadboard coupled to the frame, a footboard coupled to the deck, and twopair of split siderails coupled to the frame;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showingthe headboard including a base and a removable center panel slidablycoupled to the base;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed showing the frame inan upper position supporting the deck in an upper position;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 showinga roller and caster-brake linkage positioned in a hollow base frame;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed similar to FIG. 3showing the frame in an intermediate position supporting the deck in anintermediate position and showing the frame (in phantom) in a lowerposition supporting the deck in a lower position;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed similar to FIG. 3showing the frame in the Trendelenburg position supporting the deck witha head section of the deck positioned lower than a foot section of thedeck;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed similar to FIG. 3showing the frame in the Reverse Trendelenburg position supporting thedeck with the head section of the deck positioned higher than the footsection of the deck;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment hospital bedframe having four linkage assemblies supporting an intermediate frameand a deck (in phantom);

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed of FIG. 8 showingthe frame in an upper position supporting the intermediate frame and thedeck in an upper position;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9showing one of the linkage assemblies including a C-shaped link and arectangle-shaped link partially positioned in the C-shaped link;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed similar to FIG. 9showing the frame in a lower position supporting the deck in a lowerposition;

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed similar to FIG. 9showing the frame in the Trendelenburg position supporting the deck witha head section of the deck positioned lower than a foot section of thedeck;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed similar to FIG. 9showing the frame in the Reverse Trendelenburg position supporting thedeck with the head section of the deck positioned higher than the footsection of the deck;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a control panel pivotably coupled tothe footboard and including a plurality of control buttons for operatingvarious functions of the hospital bed;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment controlsystem including four foot pedals configured to control the variousfunctions of the hospital bed;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the control system of FIG. 15 showing acaregiver depressing one of the foot pedals to lower a back section ofthe hospital bed;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of a head end of the hospital bed ofFIG. 1 with portions cut away (in partial phantom) showing the deckincluding the head section (in partial phantom), the back section (inpartial phantom) pivotably coupled to the head section, and a tiltmechanism coupled to an intermediate frame of the frame, the backsection of the deck, and to the head section of the deck;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the tilt mechanism taking along lines 18-18 ofFIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 17 showing the tiltmechanism tilting the head section of the deck relative to the backsection of the deck;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 17 showing the tiltmechanism tilting the head section relative to the back section andtilting the back section relative to the intermediate frame;

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 17 showing the tiltmechanism tilting the head and back sections of the deck relative to theintermediate frame while maintaining a coplanar relationship between thehead and back sections;

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of a foot end of the hospital bedshowing the deck including a foot section with the footboard coupledthereto and a seat section pivotably coupled to the foot section and theintermediate frame, and a tilt mechanism positioned between the foot andseat sections of the deck and the intermediate frame;

FIG. 23 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 22 showing the tiltmechanism including an actuator lifting the seat section of the deck toan upper position and a pair of links in a locked position elevating thefoot section of the deck in response to the movement of the seatsection;

FIG. 24 is a side elevation similar to FIG. 22 showing the actuator in aretracted position and the links of the tilt mechanism in an unlockedposition;

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 22 showing the actuatorlifting the seat section of the deck, the links in the unlockedposition, and the foot section of the deck tilting relative to the seatsection as the actuator lifts the seat section;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the underside of the foot and seatsections of the deck showing the links in the locked position and thetilt mechanism further including a connector link interconnecting theright and left links for simultaneous movement therebetween;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of one of the siderails including alinkage assembly coupled to the intermediate frame and a clear railmember, with portions broken away, coupled to the linkage assembly;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 27showing the linkage assembly including a retainer including a Z-shapedlatch coupled to a catch rod, a lower release handle coupled to theZ-shaped latch, and a patient-accessible upper release handleinteracting with the Z-shaped latch through a pair of vertical transferrods;

FIG. 29 is a side view of a lockout mechanism configured to blockmovement of the patient-accessible upper release handle;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 28 showing thepatient-accessible upper release handle pivoted inwardly to push thevertical transfer rods downwardly so that the Z-shaped latch is rotatedaway from the catch rod to permit the siderail to be lowered;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 28 showing thesiderail in an intermediate lower position;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the siderail showing the clear railmember coupled to the linkage assembly and a clear armrest pivotablycoupled to the clear rail member in a storage position;

FIG. 33 is a view similar to FIG. 32 showing the armrest in a useposition and having a cup or container holder supporting a cup therein;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 34-34 of FIG. 32showing the armrest in the storage position, the siderail furtherincluding a stop plate coupled to the armrest, a top rail portion of therail member having a substantially circular lobe and a downwardlyextending lobe coupled to the substantially circular lobe;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 34 showing the armrestin the use position and the stop plate engaging the downwardly extendinglobe so that further clockwise rotation of the armrest is prevented;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment siderailshowing the siderail in an upper position;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 37-37 of FIG. 36showing the siderail of FIG. 36 including a vertical rail memberpivotably coupled about a tubular support member, a pair of handlespivotably coupled to the vertical rail member, a retainer including avertical pin engaging an aperture formed in the tubular support member,and a pair of cables coupling the vertical pin to the handles, one ofsaid handles (in phantom) in an actuated position pulling the verticalpin from locking engagement with the tubular support member to permitpivoting of the rail member in a counterclockwise (in phantom) orclockwise (in phantom) direction relative to the tubular support member;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 36 showing the siderail ina lower position;

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 37 showing thesiderail in the lower position with the pin disengaged from theapertures formed in the tubular support member;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the hospital bed of FIG. 1 showing thedeck and a mattress, with portions broken away, positioned on the deck;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the mattress of FIG. 40 (with an outerlayer of ticking removed);

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the mattress of FIG. 40 taken alongline 42-42 of FIG. 40 showing the mattress including a firming padpositioned near the top of the mattress, an upper foam layer positionedunder the firming pad, a crowning bladder positioned under the upperfoam layer, a massage motor positioned under the crowning bladder, and apair of additional foam layers also positioned below the crowningbladder;

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 43-43 of FIG. 40showing the mattress including another crowning bladder in a deflatedposition and the deck including a flexible deck panel in an un-flexedposition and a flexed position (in phantom);

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 44-44 of FIG. 43,with portions broken away, showing one portion of the flexible panelincluding an elongated slot and a fastener positioned in the elongatedslot to permit the flexible panel to slide relative to the fastener topermit the flexible panel to bow downwardly when weight is applied tothe flexible panel (in phantom);

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 43 showing thecrowning bladder in an inflated position to create a crown in themattress;

FIG. 46 is an end view of the foot section of the mattress of FIG. 41showing the foot section of the mattress formed to include angled sidesto conform to the deck;

FIG. 47 is a side elevation view of the foot section of the mattress ofFIG. 41 showing the foot section formed to include slots permitting thefoot section to extend and retract;

FIG. 48 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment mattress;

FIG. 49 is an exploded view of another alternative embodiment mattress;

FIG. 50 is an exploded view of yet another alternative embodimentmattress including an air bladder having a plurality of cylinders;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of an air system for controlling thepressure level in the air bladder of FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment footboardreleasably coupled to the deck to permit the footboard to be removedfrom the deck and positioned over the siderails to provide a table (inphantom) for a patient;

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view showing the footboard of FIG. 52 inthe table position and positioned over the pair of siderails;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of alternative headboard showing theheadboard including a tubular frame removably coupled to the deck and afabric screen coupled to the tubular frame;

FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 55-55 of FIG. 54showing the fabric screen coupled to the tubular frame;

FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of yet another alternative embodimentfootboard removed from the deck and having a base and pair of side flapspivotably coupled to the base and positioned on the siderails to supportthe base;

FIG. 57 is a view similar to FIG. 56 showing the side flaps in a storageposition on the outside of the base;

FIG. 58 is a view similar to FIG. 57 showing another alternativefootboard having a base and a pair of side flaps positioned in a storageposition on the inside of the base;

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodimentremovable footboard positioned over a pair of siderails to provide atable; and

FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of the footboard of FIG. 59 showingthe footboard positioned over the inwardly slanting siderails;

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment hospitalbed showing the hospital bed including a frame, a deck coupled to andpositioned above the frame with a head section of the deck tiltedrelative to an intermediate frame of the frame, a mattress supported bythe deck, a headboard coupled to the frame, a footboard coupled to thedeck, a pair of head end siderails coupled to the head section of thedeck, a pair of foot end siderails coupled to the intermediate frame,and a pair of gap fillers coupled to the footboard and extending to thefoot end siderails;

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the headboard of FIG. 61 showing theheadboard coupled to a portion of the intermediate frame, the bedincluding a pocket and a panel spaced apart from the headboard andaligned to fit within the pocket of the headboard;

FIG. 63 is an end view of the headboard of FIG. 61 showing the panelspaced apart from the headboard;

FIG. 64 is a view similar to FIG. 63 showing the panel positioned in thepocket of the headboard;

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 61 with the deck,mattress, siderails, and headboard removed showing the frame includingthe intermediate frame, a shroud covering a base frame, and four linkageassemblies supporting the intermediate frame over the shroud;

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of a portion of the base frame showing acaster brake pedal coupled to the base frame and spaced apart from acaster coupled to the base frame;

FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 67-67 of FIG. 66showing a link extending from an arm of the caster brake pedal to an armof a caster braking mechanism including a hexagonal rod;

FIG. 68 is a perspective view showing a hinge coupling one of the gapfillers of FIG. 61 to the footboard;

FIG. 69 is a side elevation view of the footboard and one of the gapfillers of FIG. 61 showing the footboard including a first fastener andthe gap filler including a second fastener aligned with the firstfastener to couple the gap filler to the footboard;

FIG. 70 is a top plan view of the footboard, one of the foot endsiderails, and one of the gap filler of FIG. 61 showing the gap fillerpositioned between the foot end siderail and the mattress;

FIG. 71 is a side elevation view of the bed of FIG. 61 showing the deckin a bed position with the head section of the deck co-planar with aseat section of the deck;

FIG. 72 is a view similar to FIG. 71 showing the head section of thedeck tilted relative to the seat section of the deck;

FIG. 73 is a view similar to FIG. 71 showing the head section of thedeck tilted relative to the seat section of the bed and foot end of thehead end siderail positioned adjacent to a notch formed in the foot endsiderail;

FIG. 74 is a partial perspective view of one of the foot end siderailsof FIG. 61 showing the foot end siderail including a rail member havinga pocket, the bed further including a controller positioned forinsertion into the pocket;

FIG. 75 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 75-75 of FIG. 74showing the rail member including a pair of recesses and the controllerincluding a pair of ball-detents aligned to fit within the recesses ofthe rail member to removably secure the controller in the pocket of thefoot end siderail;

FIG. 76 is a side elevation view of one of the head end siderailsshowing the head end siderail including a longitudinal slot and the bedfurther including a controller positioned in the slot to slide along thelength thereof;

FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 77-77 of FIG. 76showing the controller including a pair of tabs configured to removablyand slidably couple the controller to the head end siderail;

FIG. 78 is a side elevation view of one of the foot end siderailsshowing the foot end siderail including a longitudinal slot and thecontroller of FIG. 76 positioned in the slot to slide along the lengththereof;

FIG. 79 is a side elevation view of a foot end of the hospital bedshowing the deck including seat section pivotably coupled to theintermediate frame and a foot section pivotably coupled to the seatsection, the bed further including an actuator coupled to theintermediate frame and the seat section, the foot section resting on aroller coupled to the intermediate frame, and a link coupled to the footsection and the intermediate frame;

FIG. 80 is a view similar to FIG. 79 showing the actuator in an extendedposition tilting the seat section of the deck so that the foot sectionof the deck rolls on the roller and also assumes a tilted position;

FIG. 81 is a view similar to FIG. 79 showing the actuator in theextended position and the seat section in the tilted position, the linkbeing coupled to the intermediate frame to support the foot section is araised position;

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of the deck and intermediate frame, withportions broken away, showing a spill guard positioned between the headsection of the deck and the seat section of the deck;

FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 83-83 of FIG. 82showing the spill guard positioned between the head and seat sections ofthe deck;

FIG. 84 is a perspective view of a portion of the intermediate frameshowing the bed further including a male communications connectorcoupled to the intermediate frame and a female communications connectoraligned to be coupled to the male communications connector;

FIG. 85 is a perspective view of a propulsion device coupled to the baseframe;

FIG. 86 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 86-86 of FIG. 85showing the propulsion device including a wheel and an actuator in aretracted position supporting the wheel in a position spaced apart fromthe floor;

FIG. 87 is a view similar to FIG. 86 showing the actuator in an extendedposition so that the wheel contacts the floor;

FIG. 88 is a perspective view of the mattress of FIG. 61, with aprotective cover removed, showing the mattress including a foot sectionincluding a retractable foam portion and a heel-pressure relief bladderpositioned in a cavity formed in the retractable foot section;

FIG. 89 is a side elevation view of the deck and mattress showing a tallperson positioned on the mattress and the foot section of the deck in anextended position with the heel of the tall person positioned over theheel-pressure relief bladder;

FIG. 90 is a view similar to FIG. 89 showing a short person positionedon the mattress and the foot section in a retracted position with theheel of the short person positioned over the heel-pressure reliefbladder;

FIG. 91 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 91-91 of FIG. 90showing the heel-pressure relief bladder positioned in the cavity formedin the retractable foam portion;

FIG. 92 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment hospitalbed showing the hospital bed including a frame having a base framesupported by a plurality of casters, a weigh frame, and a pair ofsupport arms positioned between the weigh frame and the base frame, aheadboard coupled to the base frame, a footboard coupled to the deck,and four foot pedal controls coupled to the base frame;

FIG. 93 is a top plan view of the frame showing the rectangular weighframe and the frame further including an intermediate frame coupled toand positioned within the perimeter of the weigh frame;

FIG. 94 is a perspective view of the weigh frame and intermediate frame;

FIG. 95 is side elevation view the hospital bed of FIG. 92 taken alongline 95-95 of FIG. 93 showing the weigh frame and intermediate framesupported by the lift arms in a raised position;

FIG. 96 is a view similar to FIG. 95 showing the lift arms supportingthe weigh frame in a lowered position;

FIG. 97 is a partial perspective view of a first of the pair of foot endsiderails showing the first foot end siderail including a rail memberand a removable controller mount aligned for coupling to the rail memberwith a pair of screws, the removable controller mount having a pocket,and the bed further including a controller positioned in the pocket ofthe removable controller mount;

FIG. 98 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 98-98 of FIG. 97;

FIG. 99 is a partial perspective view of a second of the pair of footend siderails showing the second foot end siderail including a railmember and a substantially flat removable panel, with portions brokenaway, coupled to the rail member;

FIG. 100 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 100-100 of FIG. 99;

FIG. 101 is a side elevation view of the controller of FIG. 97;

FIG. 102 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 102-102 of FIG. 104showing another controller including a latch configured to removably andslidably couple the controller to one of the head and foot endsiderails;

FIG. 103 is a partial perspective view of the latch configuration ofFIG. 102;

FIG. 104 is a side elevation view showing a back side of the controllerof FIG. 102 showing the controller including a housing having a pair ofspaced-apart surfaces defining curved channels to complement the contourof the siderails (shown in phantom);

FIG. 105 is a perspective view showing a pedal housing coupled to aportion of the base frame and four pedals pivotably coupled to the pedalhousing;

FIG. 106 is a cross-sectional view taken line 106-106 of FIG. 105showing one of the foot pedals including a pedal pivotably coupled tothe pedal housing, a first spring positioned between the base frame andthe pedal to bias the pedal in a counterclockwise direction, a secondspring positioned between the base frame and the pedal to bias the pedalin a clockwise direction, a magnet coupled to a distal end of the pedal,and a sensor arranged to detect the position of the magnet;

FIG. 107 is a partial perspective view showing the head section of thedeck titled relative to the weigh frame;

FIG. 108 is a cross-sectional view of the head end siderail taken alongline 108-108 of FIG. 109;

FIG. 109 is side elevation view of the bed of FIG. 92 showing the headsection of the deck titled relative to the weigh frame and the head endsiderail in an up position;

FIG. 110 is a view similar to FIG. 109 showing the head end siderail ina lowered position;

FIG. 111 is side elevation view of a portion of the head end siderail inthe raised position showing the siderail including a pair ofspaced-apart links pivotably coupled to a longitudinally extended rod,the rod including two pairs of cylindrical cams, and each link includinga pair of spaced-apart cylindrical cams positioned to contact thecylindrical cams of the rod;

FIG. 112 is a view similar to FIG. 111 showing the siderail translatedto the right when in the lowered position;

FIG. 113 is a perspective view of a base frame of another alternativeembodiment bed showing four casters coupled to the base frame, a firstpair of foot pedals coupled to two of the casters, a second pair of footpedals longitudinally spaced apart from the other two casters, atransverse link coupling the second pair of foot pedals together, and apair of spaced-apart longitudinally extending links coupling the firstand second pair of foot pedals together so that all four casters arelinked to move simultaneously;

FIG. 114 is a view identical to FIG. 90 showing a deck in asubstantially flat bed position;

FIG. 115 is a view similar to FIG. 90 showing a head section of the deckraised to a titled position and the foot section of the deck extended inresponse to the head section of the deck being raised;

FIG. 116 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment patientsupport showing the patient support including a deck support, a deckhaving a plurality of sections coupled to and positioned above the decksupport, a mattress supported by the deck, a headboard coupled to thedeck support, a first pair of siderails coupled to the deck, a secondpair of siderails coupled to the deck support, and foot pedal controlscoupled to the deck support;

FIG. 117 is a perspective view of the patient support of FIG. 116 withthe deck, mattress, first pair of siderails and second pair of siderailsremoved and the headboard spaced apart from the deck support, the decksupport being in a raised position and comprising a base frame, anintermediate frame spaced apart from the base frame, a first pair oflifting arms configured to raise and lower a head end of theintermediate frame, and a second pair of lifting arms configured toraise and lower a foot end of the intermediate frame;

FIG. 118 is a side elevation view of the patient support of FIG. 116,showing the deck support in an upper position and the deck sections in alinear relationship or bed configuration;

FIG. 119 is a side elevation view of the patient support of FIG. 116,showing the deck support in the upper position of FIG. 118 and a headsection of the deck elevated by a head section actuator and a seatsection of the deck elevated by a seat section actuator;

FIG. 120 is a side elevation view of the patient support of FIG. 116,showing a first chair-like configuration of the patient support with thedeck support, the head section of the deck and the seat section of thedeck in generally the same positions as shown in FIG. 119 and aretractable leg section of the deck in the extended position and loweredby a leg section actuator;

FIG. 121 is a side elevation view generally similar to FIG. 120, showingthe leg section of the deck in an extended position and the leg sectionbeing lowered by the leg actuator, the leg section not being fullylowered due to contact with an obstruction and the leg section and theobstruction prevented from damage by the leg section actuator travelingup an elongated slot provided in a coupling bracket between the legsection and the leg actuator;

FIG. 122 is a partial perspective view of the patient support of FIG.117, showing the deck support in a lowered position wherein theintermediate frame nests within the base frame;

FIG. 123 is a top plan view of the patient support of FIG. 122, showingthe nesting of the intermediate frame within the base frame;

FIG. 124 is a side elevation view of the patient support of FIG. 116,showing the deck support in a Trendelenburg position and the deck in alinear relationship;

FIG. 125 is a side elevation view of the patient support of FIG. 116,showing the patient support in a second chair-like position with thedeck support in a Reverse Trendelenburg position, the head sectionraised by the head actuator, the seat section elevated by the seatactuator, the leg section lowered by the leg actuator and the legsection optionally shown in the extended position;

FIG. 126 is a side elevation view generally similar to FIG. 125, showingthe leg section of the deck is in an extended position and the legsection being lowered by the leg actuator, the leg section not beingfully lowered due to contact with an obstruction, the floor, by a rollercoupled to the leg section and the leg section and the obstructionprevented from damage by the roller translating the leg section alongthe floor, the leg section rotating relative to the seat section and bythe leg section actuator traveling up the elongated slot provided in thecoupling bracket between the leg section and the leg actuator;

FIG. 127 is a side elevation view of the patient support of FIG. 116,showing the deck support in a Reverse Trendelenburg position, the headand seat sections of the deck in a generally linear relationship withthe leg section in an extended position and slightly angled relative tothe head and seat sections due to contact with an obstruction by theroller coupled to the leg section and the leg section and theobstruction prevented from damage by the roller translating the legsection relative to the obstruction, the leg section rotating relativeto the seat section and by the leg section actuator traveling up theelongated slot provided in the coupling bracket between the leg sectionand the leg actuator;

FIG. 128 is a perspective view of the deck and weigh frame of thepatient support of FIG. 116 with the leg section removed and showing thehead section elevated;

FIG. 129 is an upper perspective view of the deck and weigh frame of thepatient support of FIG. 116, showing the foot section in an extendedposition, the head section elevated relative to the seat section and apartition of the head section showing the manifold assembly on a firstside of the partition and first and second manifold receiving connectorson a second side of the partition;

FIG. 130 is a perspective view of the roller coupled to the end of thefoot section shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 131 is a lower perspective view of the deck and the weigh frame ofthe patient support of FIG. 116, showing the foot section in a retractedposition, the seat section upwardly angled and the head section upwardlyangled;

FIG. 132 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 132-132 in FIG.118, showing the gap between the deck and one of the foot end siderails;

FIG. 133 is generally similar to FIG. 131 showing the foot section ofthe patient support in an extended position;

FIG. 134 is a perspective view of the leg section and a portion of theseat section of the deck and the mattress of FIG. 116, the leg sectionincluding a transverse recess positioned below retaining arms and theseat section including a pair of transverse recesses, the mattress beingshown spaced apart from the deck and configured to be coupled to theretaining arms of the leg section with a leg section anchor and to therecesses of the seat section with seat section anchors;

FIG. 135 is a side view of the deck and the weigh frame of the patientsupport of FIG. 116, showing the head, seat and leg sections of the deckin a linear relationship or bed configuration;

FIG. 136 is a bottom view of the deck and the weigh frame of FIG. 135;and

FIG. 137 is a side view of the deck and the weigh frame of the patientsupport of FIG. 116, showing the head section elevated, the seat sectionelevated and the leg section elevated and generally horizontal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As shown in FIG. 1, a hospital bed 10 is provided including a frame 12positioned on the floor, a deck 14 coupled to frame 12, a mattress 13positioned on deck 14, a headboard 16 coupled to frame 12, a footboard18 coupled to deck 14, and a pair of split siderails 20, 21 coupled toframe 12. Frame 12 is configured to raise and lower deck 14 relative tothe floor and to move deck 14 to the Trendelenburg position and theReverse Trendelenburg position.

As shown in FIG. 1, headboard or first barrier 16 includes a curved base30 coupled to frame 12 and a center panel 34 removably coupled to base30. Base 30 includes a pair of handles 48 to facilitate pushing hospitalbed 10 about a care facility.

When necessary a caregiver removes center panel 34 from base 30 andpositions center panel 34 under a patient's torso to assist thecaregiver in administering CPR to the patient. The removability ofcenter panel 34 also permits access to the patient during such aprocedure from a head end of hospital bed 10 to allow the caregiver tomore easily administer the CPR procedure.

Center panel 34 includes a body portion 36, a handle portion 38 coupledto body portion 36 to define an opening 42 therebetween, and a pair oftongues 44 configured to mate with base 30 and provide sliding movementtherebetween. The preferred embodiment of center panel 34 is made of aclear plastics material such as acrylic or clarified polyethylene (PETG)so that a caregiver may view a patient positioned on hospital bed 10through headboard 16. According to alternative embodiments of thepresent disclosure, the center panel is made of other materials known tothose of ordinary skill in the art that have transparent, translucent,or non-opaque properties so that visible light passes therethrough.According to another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure,portions or all of the center panel is made of an opaque material. Asshown in FIG. 2, base 30 is formed to include a pair of grooves 46configured to receive tongues 44 of center panel 34 so that center panel34 is slidably coupled to base 30.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, frame 12 includes a rectangular lower framemember or base frame 32, a plurality of casters 50 coupled to base frame32 to permit hospital bed 10 to be rolled about a care facility, arectangular upper frame member or intermediate frame 52, a linkagesystem 54 coupled to intermediate and base frames 52, 32 to permitrelative motion therebetween, and an actuator system 56 providing powerto actuate linkage system 54 and move upper member 52 relative to baseframe 32. Linkage system 54 includes a pair of head links 58 pivotablycoupled to a head end 53 of intermediate frame 52 and slidably coupledto base frame 32, a pair of foot links 60 pivotably coupled to a footend 55 of intermediate frame 52 and slidably coupled to base frame 32,and a pair of guide links 62 pivotably coupled to respective foot links60 and pivotably coupled to base frame 32 at a fixed pivot point.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, linkage system 54 further includes rollers 59that ride in hollow base frame 32 and pins 61 extending throughelongated slots 70 formed in inner side walls of base frame 32 torotatably couple rollers 59 to the lower ends of head and foot links 58,60. Rollers 59 ride over a lower wall 63 of base frame 32 to providesmooth rolling movement between head and foot links 58, 60 and baseframe 32 to facilitate the sliding movement of head and foot links 58,60 in base frame 32.

Hospital bed 10 further includes a caster braking system including acaster-brake link 65 extending through hollow base frame 32 adjacent toroller 59 as shown in FIG. 4. The caster braking system interconnectseach caster 50 to provide simultaneous braking of casters 50. Tosimultaneously brake casters 50, the caregiver steps on one of footbrake pedals 63 and the caster braking system locks casters 50 againstrolling. A caster braking system similar to the caster braking system ofthe present disclosure is more fully disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/263,039, filed Mar. 5, 1999, to Mobley et al.,entitled Caster and Braking System, which is expressly incorporated byreference herein.

Guide links 62 restrict the motion of foot links 60 such that the pivotpoint between foot links 60 and intermediate frame 52 is restrained tomove vertically without moving horizontally. This restriction preventshorizontal movement of intermediate frame 52 relative to base frame 32during raising and lowering of intermediate frame 52. This restrainedmovement prevents intermediate frame 52 from moving through an archwhile moving between the upper and lower positions so that intermediateframe 52 can be raised and lowered without requiring additional hospitalroom for clearance.

It will be appreciated that, in order for guide links 62 to perform therestriction function, the distance between pivot points 49, 51 of guidelinks 62 is one half the distance between axis 47 of rollers 59 andpivot points 45 of the upper ends of foot links 60 and that each guidelink 62 is pivotably coupled to the respective foot link 60 at pivotpoint 51 that is one half the distance between axis 47 of the associatedroller 59 and pivot point 45 of the upper end of the respective footlink 60. Thus, the distance between upper pivot point 51 of each guidelink 62 and the lower pivot point 49 of each guide link 62 is equal tothe distance between upper pivot point 51 of each guide link 62 andupper pivot point 45 of each foot link 60. As a result of this linkgeometry, upper pivot points 45 of foot links 60 are maintained invertical alignment with lower pivot point 49 of guide links 62 duringraising and lower of frame members 52 relative to frame member 32.

Actuator system 56 provides the force and power necessary to raise andlower intermediate frame 52. Actuator system 56 includes a head linkactuator 64 coupled to head links 58 and intermediate frame 52 and afoot link actuator 66 coupled to foot links 60 and intermediate frame52. Actuator 64 is coupled to head links 58 through an extension link 75that is rigidly coupled to a cross strut (not shown) which extendsbetween and is rigidly coupled to each of head links 58. Similarly,actuator 66 is coupled to foot links 60 through an extension link 77that is rigidly coupled to a cross strut (not shown) which extendsbetween and which is rigidly coupled to each of foot links 60. The crossstrut coupled to head links 58 coordinates the simultaneous movementthereof, whereas the cross strut coupled to foot links 60 coordinatessimultaneous movement thereof.

Actuators 64, 66 have expandable lengths to adjust the angular positionof head and foot links 58, 60 relative to intermediate frame 52 so thathead and foot ends 53, 55 of intermediate frame 52 can be raised orlowered. Each of actuators 64, 66 is preferably an electric linearactuator having respective cylinder bodies 67, cylinder rods 69, andmotors 71 that operate to extend and retract cylinder rods 69 relativeto cylinder bodies 67. Cylinder rods 69 are each pivotably coupled torespective pivot links 75, 77 and motors 71 are each pivotably coupledto a bracket 79 included in intermediate frame 52 as shown, for example,in FIG. 3.

When head and foot link actuators 64, 66 are actuated simultaneously,such that one of actuators 64, 66 extends while the other actuator 66,64 retracts, intermediate frame 52 either raises away from or lowerstoward base frame 32 so that intermediate frame 52 is maintained in ahorizontal position and does not “swing” outwardly or inwardly relativeto base frame 32. When head link actuator 64 is activated and foot linkactuator 66 is maintained at a constant length, intermediate frame 52moves to the Trendelenburg position as shown in FIG. 5 so that head end53 of intermediate frame 52 is lowered and foot end 55 of intermediateframe 52 is slightly raised. When the foot link actuator 66 is activatedand head link actuator 64 is maintained at a constant length,intermediate frame 52 moves to the Reverse Trendelenburg position sothat foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 lowers and head end 53 ofintermediate frame 52 slightly raises as shown in FIG. 6.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, deck 14 is lowered by activating both headand foot link actuators 64, 66. As the length of foot link actuator 66increases, the angle between foot links 60 and intermediate frame 52decreases and foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 lowers. As the lengthof head link actuator 64 decreases, the angle between head links 58 andintermediate frame 52 increases and head end 53 of intermediate frame 52lowers as shown, for example, in FIG. 5. As the length of foot linkactuator 66 continues to increase and the length of head link actuator64 continues to decrease, intermediate frame 52 continues to lower fromthe upper position to a lower position as shown in FIG. 5 (in phantom).Because head and foot link actuators 64, 66 decrease and increase theirrespective lengths at substantially the same rate, intermediate frame 52remains substantially horizontal while moving from the upper position,shown in FIG. 3, to the lower position shown in phantom in FIG. 5 (inphantom). To position upper frame 52 back in the upper position, linkactuator 64 is lengthened and foot link actuator 66 is simultaneouslyshortened until each actuator 64, 66 returns to its original length asshown in FIG. 3.

Linkage system 54 and actuator system 56 also cooperate to moveintermediate frame 52 to the Trendelenburg position as shown in FIG. 6.To move intermediate frame 52 to the Trendelenburg position, head linkactuator 64 decreases its length such that the angle betweenintermediate frame 52 and head links 58 increases. Head end 53 ofintermediate frame 52 lowers and the length of foot link actuator 66remains substantially constant to provide a pivot point about whichintermediate frame 52 rotates. As intermediate frame 52 rotates, footend 55 of intermediate frame 52 is slightly raised as shown in FIG. 6.To reposition intermediate frame 52 in the upper horizontal position,the length of head link actuator 64 is increased until it is returned toits previous length.

Actuator system 56 and linkage system 54 also cooperate to positionintermediate frame 52 in the Reverse Trendelenburg position as shown inFIG. 7. To move intermediate frame 52 to the reserve-Trendelenburgposition, the length of foot link actuator 66 is increased so that theangle between foot links 60 and intermediate frame 52 is decreased andfoot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 lowers. The overall length of headlink actuator 64 remains substantially constant so that intermediateframe 52 pivots about head links 58. As intermediate frame 52 pivots,head end 53 of intermediate frame 52 is slightly raised as foot end 55of intermediate frame 52 lowers. To reposition upper frame 52 in theupper horizontal position, the length of foot link actuator 66 isdecreased until it is returned to its previous length.

Hospital bed 10 further includes two dampers 72 coupled to the innerwalls of base frame 32 to engage the lower ends of foot links 60.Dampers 72 aid in raising intermediate frame 52 and deck 14 from thelower and Reverse Trendelenburg positions. During lowering of foot end55 of intermediate frame 52, dampers 72 resist movement of the footlinks 60 and store potential energy as a result of the lowering of footend 55 of intermediate frame 52. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, asfoot links 60 move along slot 70, damper 72 is compressed so thatpotential energy is stored. As intermediate frame 52 is moved from thelower position, as shown in FIG. 5, to the upper position as shown inFIG. 3, dampers 72 aid foot link actuators 66 in raising foot end 55 ofintermediate frame 52 by pushing lower ends of foot links 60 in thedirection that raises foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 to the upperposition. Because dampers 72 store potential energy during lowering offoot end 55 of intermediate frame 52, foot link actuator 66 does notneed to be as powerful to raise foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52from the lower position to the upper position. According to analternative embodiment frame, a more powerful foot link actuator isprovided and dampers are not provided.

An alternative embodiment frame 612 is shown in FIGS. 8-13. As shown inFIG. 8, frame 612 includes a lower frame member or base frame 632,plurality of casters 50 coupled to base frame 632 to permit the hospitalbed to be rolled about a care facility, an upper frame member orintermediate frame 652, a linkage system 654 coupled to intermediate andbase frames 652, 632 to permit relative motion therebetween, and anactuator system 656 providing power and force to actuate linkage system654 and move intermediate frame 652 relative to base frame 632. Linkagesystem 654 includes a pair of head link assemblies 658 pivotably coupledto intermediate frame 652 near a head end 653 of intermediate frame 652and rigidly coupled to base frame 632 and a pair of foot link assemblies660 slidably coupled to intermediate frame 652 near a foot end 655 ofintermediate frame 652 and rigidly coupled to base frame 632.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, foot link assembly 660 further includesrollers 659 that ride in hollow intermediate frame 652. Rollers 659 arecoupled to the upper ends of foot link assemblies 660 to facilitate thesliding of foot link assemblies 660 relative to intermediate frame 652.Rollers 659 ride under an upper wall 663 of intermediate frame 652 toprovide smooth rolling movement between foot link assemblies 660 andintermediate frame 652.

Actuator system 656 provides the power and force necessary to raise andlower upper frame assembly 652. Actuator system 656 includes a head linkactuator 664 coupled to head link assemblies 658 and base frame 632 anda foot link actuator 666 coupled to foot link assemblies 660 and baseframe 632. Actuators 664, 666 are similar to actuators 64, 66 and haveexpandable lengths to adjust the angular position of head and foot linkassemblies 658, 660 relative to base frame 632 so that head and footends 653, 655 of intermediate frame 652 can be raised or lowered.

When head and foot link actuators 664, 666 are actuated simultaneouslysuch that both actuators 664, 666 retract or extend, intermediate frame652 either raises away from or lowers toward base frame 632 so thatintermediate frame 652 is maintained in a horizontal position. When headlink actuator 664 is activated and foot link actuator 666 is maintainedat a constant length, intermediate frame 652 moves to the Trendelenburgposition, as shown in FIG. 12, so that head end 653 of intermediateframe 652 is lowered and foot end 655 of intermediate frame 652 israised. When the foot link actuator 666 is activated and head linkactuator 664 is maintained at a constant length, intermediate frame 652moves to the Reverse Trendelenburg position so that foot end 655 ofintermediate frame 652 lowers and head end 653 of intermediate frame 652raises as shown in FIG. 13.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, intermediate frame 652 is lowered byactivating both head and foot link actuators 664, 666. As the length offoot link actuator 666 decreases, the angle between foot link assemblies660 and intermediate frame 652 decreases and foot end 655 ofintermediate frame 652 lowers. As the length of head link actuator 664decreases, the angle between head link assemblies 658 and intermediateframe 652 decreases and head end 653 of intermediate frame 652 lowers asshown, for example, in FIG. 11. As the length of foot and head linkactuators 666, 664 continue to decrease, intermediate frame 652continues to lower from the upper position to a lower position as shownin FIG. 11. Because head and foot link actuators 664, 666 decrease theirrespective lengths at substantially the same rate, intermediate frame652 remains substantially horizontal while moving from the upperposition shown in FIG. 9 to the lower position shown in FIG. 11 (inphantom). To reposition intermediate frame 652 back in the upperposition, head and foot link actuators 664, 666 are simultaneouslylengthened until each actuator 664, 666 is returned to its originallength.

As previously mentioned, linkage system 654 and actuator system 656cooperate to move intermediate frame 652 to the Trendelenburg positionas shown in FIG. 12. To move intermediate frame 652 from the positionshown in FIG. 9 to the Trendelenburg position shown in FIG. 12, headlink actuator 664 decreases its length such that the angle betweenintermediate frame 652 and head link assemblies 658 decreases and headend 653 of intermediate frame 652 lowers and the length of foot linkactuator 666 remains substantially constant to provide a pivot pointabout which intermediate frame 652 rotates such that foot end 655 ofintermediate frame 652 is slightly raised. To reposition intermediateframe 652 to the horizontal upper position, the length of head linkactuator 664 is increased until it is returned to its original length asshown in FIG. 9.

Actuator system 656 and linkage system 654 also cooperate to positionintermediate frame 652 in the Reverse Trendelenburg position as shown inFIG. 13. To move intermediate frame 652 from the position shown in FIG.9 to the Reverse Trendelenburg position shown in FIG. 13, the length offoot link actuator 666 is decreased so that the angle between foot linkassemblies 660 and intermediate frame 652 is decreased and foot end 655of intermediate frame 652 lowers. The overall length of head linkactuator 664 remains substantially constant so that intermediate frame652 pivots about head link assemblies 658. As intermediate frame 652pivots, head end 653 is slightly raised as foot end 655 lowers. Toreposition intermediate frame 652 to the horizontal upper position, thelength of foot link actuator 666 is increased until it is returned toits original length as shown in FIG. 9.

As shown in FIGS. 9, 12, 13, head and foot link assemblies 658, 660 areconfigured to maintain a vertical orientation of the upper end thereofduring movement of upper frame 652 between the various positions. Eachhead and foot link assembly 658, 660 includes first, second, third, andfourth links 668, 670, 672, 674 that cooperate to maintain third link672 in said vertical position. Each head and foot link assembly 658, 660further includes a load cell 676 positioned between respective blocks677 and rollers 659 and respective third links 672 that measure therespective weight applied to each third link 672. Because third links672 remain vertical, no trigonometric calculations must be made tocorrect the weight measurement due to the orientation of load cell 676relative to the floor.

As shown in FIG. 8, first links 668 comprise a series of brackets thatare rigidly coupled to lower frame 632. Second links 670 are C-shapedand are pivotably coupled to the respective first links 668 by pins 669.A strut 678 extends between the respective second links 670 of foot linkassemblies 660 to provide a rigid connection therebetween to coordinatesimultaneous movement of foot link assemblies 660 during actuation byfoot link actuator 666. An extension 680 is rigidly coupled to strut 678to provide a moment arm through which the linear force provided by footlink actuator 666 is converted to torque for rotating second links 670of foot link assemblies 660.

Similarly, a strut 682 extends between the respective second links 670of head link assemblies 658 to provide a rigid connection therebetweento coordinate simultaneous movement of head link assemblies 658 duringactuation by head link actuator 664. An extension 684 is rigidly coupledto strut 682 to provide a moment arm through which the linear forceprovided by head link actuator 664 is converted to torque for rotatingsecond links 670 of head link assemblies 658.

Third links 672 comprise a series of C-shaped brackets pivotably coupledto respective second links 670 by pins 671. A strut 686 extends betweenrespective third links 672 of foot link assemblies 660 to provide arigid connection therebetween to coordinate simultaneous movement offoot link assemblies 660 during actuation by foot link actuator 666.Similarly, a strut 688 extends between the respective third links 672 ofhead link assemblies 658 to provide a rigid connection therebetween tocoordinate simultaneous movement of head link assemblies 658 duringactuation by head link actuator 664. Load cells 676 are rigidly coupledto respective struts 686, 688 as shown in FIG. 8.

Fourth links 674 comprise flat elongated bars pivotably coupled torespective third links 672 by pins 673 and first links 668 by pins 675to provide a complete four bar linkage for each head and foot linkassembly 658, 660. As shown in FIG. 10, each respective fourth link 674is positioned partially within the respective C-shaped second link 670to block insertion of objects between the respective second and fourthlinks 670, 674 to prevent pinching. As shown in FIG. 8, each respectivesecond link 670 is formed to include a notch 690 positioned to provideclearance for pin 675 while each foot and head link assemblies 658, 660is in the lower position.

As shown in FIGS. 8-13, third link 672 remains substantially verticalduring movement of intermediate frame 652 through the various positions.As second links 670 are turned by respective head and foot linkactuators 664, 666, third link 672 directs the horizontal and verticalmovement of pin 673 so that pin 673 remains in substantially the samevertical and horizontal position relative to pin 671. By maintainingthis relationship, third link 672 remains substantially verticalregardless of the vertical positions of head and foot ends 653, 655 ofintermediate frame 652.

Because third links 672 remain substantially vertical, load cells 676also remain in a substantially vertical orientation simplifying theoverall calculation necessary for determining the weight of the patient.To determine the total weight of the patient, the weights measured byload cells 676 are totaled and the predetermined weight of thecomponents of the hospital bed supported by load cells 676 aresubtracted from this total resulting in the weight of the patient. Theweights measured from load cells 676 do not need adjusted for theangular position of upper frame 652 because load cells 676 remainvertically oriented.

Pair of coupling blocks 677 are fixed to intermediate frame 652 adjacentto head end 653 thereof and load cells 676 associated with head linkassemblies 658 each include a cylindrical stud 679 extendingtransversely therefrom into a bore formed in the respective block 677.As intermediate frame 652 tilts relative to base frame 632, blocks 677tilt along with frame member 652 while pivoting relative to theassociated load cells 676 on cylindrical stud 679 about pivot axis 681.In addition, as intermediate frame 652 tilts relative to base frame 632,rollers 659 rotate about pivot axis 683 relative to the associated loadcells 676 while also rolling either toward or away from blocks 677depending upon the direction that intermediate frame 652 tilts.

As shown in FIG. 14, footboard or second barrier 18 includes a modularcontrol unit 692 for controlling the automated features of hospital bed10. Footboard 18 further includes a base 694 and modular control unit692 includes a support panel 696 slidably coupled to base 694 and acontrol panel 698 pivotably coupled to support panel 696. Control panel698 is rotatable between a use position, as shown in FIG. 14, and astorage position in a recess 699 formed in support panel 696. Supportpanel 696 is also formed to include a notch 697 in which a caregiver cangrab a distal end of control panel 698 to rotate it back to the useposition.

As shown in FIG. 1 in phantom, control unit 692 is removable from base694 to permit replacement of control unit 692 for repairs or upgrading.According to the presently preferred embodiment of the hospital bed,multiple configurations of modular control units are provided at themanufacturing facility. Depending on the specific configuration of thehospital bed, a different control unit will be provided with therespective hospital bed by sliding the respective control unit intostandard base 694.

Control panel 698 includes a series of buttons 710 for controlling thevarious functions of hospital bed 10. Deck 14 includes head, back, seat,and foot portions or sections 22, 24, 26, 28 that can be tilted relativeto intermediate frame 52 and several mechanisms configured to adjust theangular position of these deck sections 22, 24, 26, 28. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, foot section 28 of deck 14 isextendable, seat section 26 of deck 14 can be tilted relative tointermediate frame 52, back section 24 of deck 14 can be tilted relativeto intermediate frame 52, and head section 22 of deck 14 can also betilted relative to intermediate frame 52.

Series of buttons 710 includes a first pair of buttons 711 for raisingand lowering intermediate frame 52 and a second pair of buttons 712 forraising and lowering seat section 26. Series of buttons 710 alsoincludes a third pair of buttons 714 for raising and lowering backsection 24 relative to intermediate frame 52 and a fourth pair ofbuttons 716 for simultaneously raising and lowering seat and backsections 26, 24. Another set of buttons 718 is provided for controllingthe various functions of the mattress as will be described in greaterdetail below. Control panel 698 further includes a display 719 formonitoring the status of the various functions of hospital bed 10.According to an alternative embodiment, the series of buttons alsoincludes a pair of buttons for moving the intermediate frame between theTrendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg positions, extending andretracting the foot section of the deck, and any other function of thebed. Control panel 698 preferably also includes buttons and a displayassociated with a bed exit and weighing system of bed 10.

An alternative embodiment control system 750 is shown in FIGS. 15 and16. Control system 750 includes a plurality of pedals 752 pivotablycoupled to the base frame. Each pedal 752 interacts with athree-position, dual contact switch that is activated by upward ordownward movement of said pedal 752 from a middle, neutral position tooperate a specific function of the hospital bed. For example, a firstpedal 754 is pivoted upwardly to raise the intermediate frame andstepped on to lower the intermediate frame. A second pedal 756 isprovided for tilting and untilting back section 24 relative tointermediate frame 52. Series of pedals 752 also includes a third pedal758 for moving intermediate frame 52 between the Trendelenburg andReverse Trendelenburg positions and a fourth pedal for 760 for tiltingand untilting seat section 26 relative to intermediate frame 52.According to an alternative embodiment the plurality of pedals alsoincludes a pedal for extending and retracting foot section 28 of thehospital bed. Each of pedals 752, therefore, is operated in an intuitivemanner to control the various functions of the hospital bed. That is,pedals 752 are stepped on to perform a “down” function and are liftedupwardly with the top of a user's foot to perform an “up” function.

As previously mentioned, deck 14 includes several sections 22, 24, 26,28 that can be tilted relative to intermediate frame 52. Head section 22is positioned adjacent to headboard 16 and is pivotably coupled to backsection 24 by a hinge 78 as shown in FIG. 17. Back section 24 ispivotably coupled to upwardly extending flanges 73 of intermediate frame52 by a hinge 76. Seat section 26 is pivotably coupled to upwardlyextending flanges 73 of intermediate frame 52 by a hinge 116 as shown inFIGS. 22-25. Foot section 28 is pivotably coupled to seat section 26 bya hinge 118. Footboard 18 is coupled to foot section 28. Seat and footsections 26, 28 have tapered ends 25, 27 providing clearancetherebetween during titling of foot section 28 relative to seat section26 as shown in FIG. 25. Thus, all sections 22, 24, 26, 28 are pivotablerelative to intermediate frame 52.

Hospital bed 10 includes a tilt mechanism 74 that enables head and backsections 22, 24 to be moved automatically relative to intermediate frame52 (see FIGS. 20 and 21) and head section 22 to be movable automaticallyrelative to back section 24 (see FIGS. 19 and 20). As shown in FIGS. 17and 18, tilt mechanism 74 includes a tilt actuator 80 coupled tointermediate frame 52, a pair of transfer linkages 82 pivotably coupledto tilt actuator 80, a transfer shaft 84 coupled to transfer linkages82, a head-tilt linkage 86 pivotably coupled to head section 22 andtransfer shaft 84, and a back-tilt linkage assembly 88 pivotably andslidably coupled to transfer shaft 84 and rigidly coupled to backsection 24. As shown in FIG. 17, back-tilt linkage assembly 88 includesa pair of links 90 rigidly coupled to back section 24 of deck 14. Links90 include slots 92 sized to receive transfer shaft 84.

To tilt head section 22 relative to back section 24, tilt actuator 80 isactivated to push transfer linkage 82 to the right, as shown in FIG. 18,which pulls head tilt linkage 86 to the right to slide transfer shaft 84in slots 92 as shown in FIG. 19. This relative movement of transfershaft 84 relative to link 90 pivots head section 22 relative to backsection 24. Because head-tilt linkage 86 pushes the lower right handcorner of head section 22 outwardly and hinge 78 continues to pivotablycouple head section 22 to back section 24, head section 22 tiltsrelative to back section 24 as shown in FIG. 19.

As tilt actuator 80 continues to push transfer linkage 82 to the right,transfer shaft 84 reaches the right-hand ends of slots 92 and engageslinks 90. Transfer shaft 84 then pushes links 90 to the right to pivotback section 24 relative to intermediate frame 52 as shown in FIG. 20.Because first hinge 76 pivotably couples back section 24 to intermediateframe 52 and links 90 are coupled to a lower left hand corner of backsection 24 that is actuated to the right by tilt actuator 80, backsection 24 tilts relative to intermediate frame 52. Furthermore, theadditional actuation of tilt actuator 80 continues the movement of headsection 22 relative to intermediate frame 52 so that the degree of tiltbetween head section 22 and back section 24 is maintained as backsection 24 is tilted relative to intermediate frame 52 as shown in FIG.20. To return head and back sections 22, 24 to the horizontal position,the length of tilt actuator is shortened until it reaches its originallength.

Back-tilt linkage assembly 88 is configured to enable restriction of therelative movement of head and back section 22 during actuation of tiltactuator 80. Back-tilt linkage assembly 88 further includes a pair ofblockers 94 pivotably coupled to link 90 to move between an unblockingposition (see FIG. 17) permitting movement of head section 22 relativeto back section 24 and a blocking position (see FIG. 21) restrainingmovement of head section 22 relative to back section 24. While in theunblocking position, transfer shaft 84 is free to move in slots 92permitting movement of link 90 relative to head tilt linkage 86 so thathead section 22 can tilt relative to back section 24

When blockers 94 are moved to the blocking position, as shown in FIG.21, transfer shaft 84 is prevented from moving in slots 92 so that theinitial movement of tilt actuator 80 not only moves head-tilt linkage 86and head section 22 but also moves links 90 of back-tilt linkageassembly 88 and back section 24. This causes head section 22 to tiltrelative to intermediate frame 52 and back section 24 to simultaneouslytilt relative to intermediate frame 52 so that head and back sections22, 24 remain substantially coplanar to one another as shown in FIG. 21.

Back-tilt linkage assembly 88 further includes a pair of adjustmentscrews 89, 91 extending into links 90 for adjusting the effective lengthof slots 92. As shown in FIG. 17, screw 89 extends into the right end oflink 90. If screw 89 is turned further into link 90, the effectivelength of the right end of slot 92 decreases to shorten the travel rangeof transfer shaft 84 in the right end of slot 92. By decreasing theeffective length of the right end of slots 92, the degree of maximumtilt between head and back sections 22, 24 is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 17, screw 91 extends into the left end of link 90. Asscrew 91 is turned into link 90, the effective length of the left end ofslot 92 decreases to shorten the travel range of transfer shaft 84 inthe left end of slot 92. By decreasing the effective length of the leftend of slots 92, the degree of minimum tilt between head and backsections 22, 24 is increased.

To facilitate movement of blocker 94 between the unblocking and blockingpositions, back-tilt linkage assembly 88 includes a blocker lever 96pivotably coupled to back section 24, cams 98 rigidly coupled to blockerlever 96, cam followers 100 rigidly coupled to blockers 94, and stops110 rigidly coupled to links 90. Blocker lever 96 and cams 98 aremovable between a disengaged position, as shown in FIG. 17, and anengaged position as shown in FIG. 21. When in the disengaged position,cams 98 are spaced apart from cam followers 100 and blockers 94 are inthe unblocking position so that transfer shaft 84 is capable of movingin slots 92. When blocker lever 96 and cams 98 are moved to the engagedposition, blockers 94 pivot about pins 112 so that blockers 94 coverslots 92 and transfer shaft 84 is blocked from moving in slots 92.

To move blocker lever 96 to the engaged position, handle 114 is grippedand turned counter-clockwise in the direction of phantom arrow 115,shown in FIG. 17, so that cams 98 engage cam followers 100. Camfollowers 100 have a slight angle relative to the length of blockers 94so that cams 98 ride up cam followers 100 to rotate blockers 94 relativeto links 90. Blockers 94 continue to rotate about pins 112 untilblockers 94 engage stops 110 preventing blockers 94 from rotating pastthe desired position. Thus, tilt mechanism 74 has a first configuration,corresponding to blockers 94 being in the unblocking position, in whichhead section 22 automatically tilts relative to back section 24 duringraising of head and back sections 22, 24 from a lowered, horizontalposition by actuator 80 and tilt mechanism 74 has a secondconfiguration, corresponding to blockers 94 being in the blockingposition, in which head and back sections 22, 24 are maintained incoplanar relation during raising of head and back sections 22, 24 fromthe lowered, horizontal position by actuator 80.

As shown in FIGS. 22-25, hospital bed 10 further includes a tiltmechanism 120 facilitating automatic tilting of foot and seat sections28, 26 relative to intermediate frame 52 and foot section 28 relative toseat section 26. Tilt mechanism 120 includes a tilt actuator 122 coupledto intermediate frame 52 and seat section 26 and a foot-tilt linkageassembly 124 pivotably coupled to foot section 28 and intermediate frame52. Foot-tilt linkage assembly 124 is movable between a locked position,shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, and an unlocked position, shown in FIGS. 24and 25, to provide two modes of titling between seat section 26 and footsection 28.

When in the locked position, foot-tilt linkage assembly 124 provides arigid link between intermediate frame 52 and foot section 28. As tiltactuator 122 is lengthened, seat section 26 pivots relative tointermediate frame 52 as shown in FIGS. 23 and 25. When foot-tiltlinkage assembly 124 is in the locked position and tilt actuator 122 isactivated, foot section 28 moves upwardly relative to intermediate frame52 as shown in FIG. 23 while maintaining a substantially horizontalorientation.

When foot-tilt linkage assembly 124 is “broken”, as shown in FIG. 24,and tilt actuator 122 is activated, as shown in FIG. 25, foot section 28rotates about a roller 126 coupled to intermediate frame 52 so that aproximal end of foot section 28 is raised and a distal end of footsection 28 lowers. Thus, foot section 28 is movable relative to seatsection 26 to maintain a substantially horizontal position, as shown inFIG. 23, when foot-tilt linkage assembly 124 is in the locked positionand a tilted position, as shown in FIG. 25, relative to intermediateframe 52 when foot-tilt linkage assembly 124 is in the unlockedposition.

To facilitate movement between the locked and unlocked positions,foot-tilt linkage assembly 124 includes a pair of first links 132pivotably coupled to foot section 28 and a pair of second links 134pivotably coupled to respective first links 132 and intermediate frame52 as shown in FIGS. 23 and 26. Foot-tilt linkage assembly 124 alsoincludes a pair of handles 136 coupled to second links 134 to facilitatemovement of second links 134 relative to first links 132 to positionfoot-tilt linkage assembly 124 in either the locked or unlockedposition.

Second link 134 is U-shaped having a pair of parallel side walls 135 anda bottom plate 137. As shown in FIG. 23, the end of first link 132coupled to second link 134 engages bottom plate 137 when first andsecond links 132, 134 are in the locked position to prevent first andsecond links 132, 134 from going over center.

As shown in FIG. 26, foot-tilt linkage assembly 124 further includes aconnector link 138 extending between right and left first links 132.Connector link 138 coordinates the movement of the respective pairs oflinks 132, 134 so that each pair of links 132, 134 is locked andunlocked simultaneously.

Split siderails or third and fourth barriers 20, 21 are pivotablycoupled to frame 12 and configured to move between upper positions, asshown in FIGS. 1, 28 and 30, and lower positions, as shown in FIG. 31,to permit entry and egress of patients into and out of hospital bed 10.Split siderails 20, 21 are configured to be movable between the upperand lower positions by a caregiver or by a patient positioned inhospital bed 10 by releasing split siderails 20, 21 to move. Furthermoresplit siderails 20, 21 are provided with locks that prevent a patientpositioned in hospital bed 10 from lowering siderails 20 as will bediscussed in greater detail below.

Each siderail 20, 21 is coupled to intermediate frame 52 by a pair offasteners 140. Thus, as each section 22, 24, 26, 28 of deck 14 is tiltedrelative to intermediate frame 52 as previously described, siderails 20,21 do not move relative to intermediate frame 52 as shown in FIGS.19-21, 23, and 25.

Each siderail 20, 21 includes a respective clear rail member 141, 143and a linkage assembly 142 coupled between respective clear rail member141, 143 and intermediate frame 52 that permits rail member 141, 143 tobe moved between upper and lower positions as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31.The preferred embodiment of rail members 141, 143 are made of a clearplastics material such as acrylic or clarified polyethylene (PETG).According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the railmembers are made of other materials known to those of ordinary skill inthe art that have transparent, translucent, or other non-opaqueproperties so that visible light can pass through the rail members.

According to an alternative embodiment clear siderails, light is “piped”through clear siderail members to provide illumination of the clearsiderail member. Such illumination provides an indication to caregiversof the location of the hospital bed when the hospital room is darkbecause the siderails are illuminated. Such illumination also may serveas a nightlight for the patient supported on bed 10. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that appropriate circuitry may be fashioned sothat the clear siderails become illuminated only when in the loweredposition to light up the floor adjacent bed 10, thereby facilitating apatient getting into or out of bed when the hospital room is dark. Thelight source may be fiber optic, high intensity LED's, light bulbs or anIndiglo™-brand illuminating material coupled to the respective railmember 141, 143 to illuminate all or a portion of said rail member 141,143.

It is within the scope of the disclosure as presently perceived for afirst portion of the clear siderail to be piped with light of a firstcolor and for a second portion of the clear siderail to be piped withlight of a second color. In such an embodiment, an opaque, dividingmaterial is provided between the first and second portions of thesiderail to prevent light from being piped therebetween. Optionally,multiple colors of light may illuminate multiple portions of the clearsiderail if desired. According to alternative embodiments, the railmembers are colored and/or translucent.

Linkage assembly 142 includes a first link 144 rigidly coupled tointermediate frame 52, a pair of curved second links 146 pivotablycoupled to first link 144, a third link 148 pivotably coupled to secondlinks 146, and a curved fourth link 150 pivotably coupled to third andfirst links 144, 148. First link 144 includes a base 152 coupled tointermediate frame 52 by fasteners 140 and four upwardly extendingflanges 154 rigidly coupled to base 152 as shown in FIG. 27. Each secondlink 146 includes a looped first end 156 pivotably coupled to flanges154 by a rod 158 and a looped second end 160 pivotably coupled to thirdlink 148 by a rod 162 as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28.

Third link 148 includes a base plate 164, a first pair of inwardlyextending flanges 166 coupled to base plate 164, and a second pair ofinwardly extending flanges 168 also coupled to base plate 164 as shownin FIG. 27. Rod 162 extends between flanges 166 and through second ends160 of second link 146 to provide the pivotable connection therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 27, fourth link 150 includes a base 170 and alatch-receiving slot 172 formed in base 170. A first end 174 of base ispivotably coupled to second pair of flanges 168 of third link 148 by arod 176. Similarly, a second end 177 of base 170 is pivotably coupled tothe lower ends of flanges 154 of first link 144 by a rod 178. Thus,linkage assembly 142 provides a four bar linkage permitting siderails20, 21 to swing between the upper and lower positions.

Each siderail 20, 21 further includes a retainer 180 configured to“bind” the four bar linkage to prevent siderails 20, 21 from moving fromthe upper position to the lower position. As shown in FIG. 28, retainer180 includes a Z-shaped latch member 182 positioned in latch-receivingslot 172 and pivotably coupled to fourth link 150 by rod 184 to movebetween a latched position, as shown in FIG. 28, and an unlatchedposition, as shown in FIG. 30, and a catch rod 186 coupled to first link144. Rod 186 extends between flanges 154 of first links 144 as shown inFIG. 27. Latch member 182 includes a first end 188 that engages catchrod 186 and a second end 190. A patient-inaccessible release or handle192 is provided that is coupled to second end 190. First end 188includes a notch 194 configured to receive catch rod 186 therein tosecure latch member 182 in the latched position as shown in FIG. 28.

When first end 188 is latched onto catch rod 186, a three bar linkage isestablished between first link 144, latch member 182, and fourth link150. This arrangement of linkages binds first link 144 relative tofourth link 150 so that linkage assembly 142 is also bound from movingwhile latch member 182 is in the latched position to prevent siderails20, 21 from swinging to the lower position.

To unbind linkage assembly 142 and permit siderails 20, 21 to swing tothe down position, latch member 182 must be moved from the latchedposition to the unlatched position as shown in FIG. 30. A caregiver canunlatch latch member 182 by pulling downwardly and outwardly on handle192 to pivot latch member 182 in the clockwise direction as shown inFIG. 30. This movement pulls first end 188 of latch member 182 away fromcatch rod 186 so that latch member 182 no longer binds first and fourthlinks 144, 150. Because first and fourth links 144, 150 are free topivot relative to one another, linkage assembly 142 is also unbound andfree to permit siderails 20, 21 to swing between the upper and lowerpositions. A spring 196 is provided between a middle portion of fourthlink 150 and a spring mount 197 coupled to a middle portion of latchmember 182 to bias latch member 182 toward the latched position.According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, otherretainers are provided to hold the siderails in the upper position suchas clasps, catches, locks, other latches, clamps, pins, bolts, bars,hasp, hooks, or other retainers known to those of ordinary skill in theart.

Handle 192 is positioned to be inaccessible by a person lying, sittingor otherwise normally positioned on mattress 13 so that only a caregivercan easily reach handle 192 to remove the hold of latch member 182 topermit lowering of siderail 20. Therefore, handle 192 is remote to orout of reach of a person positioned on mattress 13 so that such a personcannot readily use handle 192 to lower siderail 20 while lying orsitting on mattress 13.

Siderails 20 further include a patient-accessible release 198 to permita patient lying or sitting in hospital bed 10 to release latch member182. Release 198 includes a handle 210 pivotably coupled to third link148 by a pin 149 and upper and lower transfer rods 212, 213 extendingbetween handle 210 and latch member 182 as shown in FIG. 28. Handle 210includes a cam surface 214 configured to engage the upper end of uppertransfer rod 212. As handle 210 is pivoted inwardly by the patient, asshown in FIG. 30, the upper end of transfer rod 212 is pushed downwardlyto engage an upper end of lower transfer rod 213 and push lower transferrod 213 downwardly. This downward movement of lower transfer rod 213rotates latch member 182 in the clockwise direction to unlatch latchmember 182 from catch rod 186 as shown in FIG. 30. Thus, a patientpositioned in hospital bed 10 may reach handle 210 and release latchmember 182 to lower either of siderails 20 and leave hospital bed 10.

Release 198 further includes a spring 216 positioned to bias uppertransfer rod 212 upwardly. Upper transfer rod 212 has a steppedconfiguration as shown in FIG. 28 and rail member 141 is formed toinclude a bore 217 sized to receive upper transfer rod 212. Spring 216is trapped between the step of upper transfer rod 212 and a plug 219screwed into a lower end of bore 217. As upper transfer rod 212 is moveddownwardly by handle 210, spring 216 is compressed. After handle 210 isreleased, this compression forces upper transfer rod 212 back upwardlyand the engagement of upper transfer rod 212 with handle 210 rotateshandle 210 back to the position shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. According toalternative embodiments of the present disclosure, other configurationsof releases known to those of ordinary skill in the art are providedthat release the retainer from holding the siderails in the up position.

As shown in FIG. 31, when siderail 20 is moved to the down position,upper transfer rod 212 is spaced apart from and misaligned with lowertransfer rod 213. Thus, a two-piece transfer rod 212, 213 is providedthat transmits motion from handle 210 to latch member 182 when siderail20 is in the up position, as shown in FIG. 30, and is “broken” whensiderail 20 is in the lowered position as shown in FIG. 31.

Patient-accessible release 198 further includes a lock 224 that lockshandle 210 to prevent the patient from lowering siderails 20. As shownin FIG. 29, lock 224 includes a lock member 228 pivotably coupled tothird link 148. Lock member 228 includes a core 230 and a finger 232coupled to core 230. A base plate 226 is coupled to rail member 141 andis formed to include a core-receiving aperture 234 sized to receive core230 of lock member 228. Handle 210 includes a ledge 236 positioned toengage finger 232 of lock member 228. Core 230 is formed to include aslot 238 sized to receive a key such as a coin, screw driver, or otherflat object therein.

Core 230 is rotatably received in core-receiving aperture 234 so thatfinger 232 can rotate between an upright locked position, as shown inFIG. 28, and a downwardly extending unlocked position as shown in FIG.30. To turn finger 232 between the locked and unlocked position, acaregiver positions a coin, screw driver, or other flat object in slot238 and turns lock member 228 in the clockwise direction to move finger232 to the locked position from the unlocked position and in thecounter-clockwise direction to move finger 232 to the unlocked position.While in the locked position, finger 232 is positioned adjacent ledge236 and blocks pivoting of handle 210 so that upper transfer rod 212cannot be pushed downwardly. While in the unlocked position, finger 232is positioned away from ledge 236 so that handle 210 is free to pivotand a patient may unlock latch member 182 and lower siderail 20.

Lock mechanism 224 is configured to provide an indication of whetherlock member 228 is in the locked or unlocked position. Core 230 issomewhat cylinder-shaped having a curved side wall 240 and a flat sidewall 242. Curved side wall 240 permits core 230 to rotate incore-receiving aperture 234. Flat side wall 242 and an edge 244 of baseplate 226 that defines core-receiving aperture 234 cooperate to define arotating window 246 therebetween. As core 230 is rotated, window 246rotates from being located above core 230, as shown in FIG. 30, to belowcore 230 as shown in FIG. 28. Third link 148 includes a portionpositioned behind core 230. An upper half 248 of the portion is paintedwhite and a lower half 250 is painted red.

Painted upper and lower halves 248, 250 and window 246 cooperate toprovide an indication as to when lock member 228 is in the locked orunlocked positions. When lock member 228 is in the locked position, asshown in FIG. 28, the red surface of lower half 250 is exposed throughwindow 246 to indicate that lock 224 is locked to prevent lowering ofsiderail 20 by the patient. As core 230 is rotated, the white surface ofupper half 248 is exposed through window 246 to indicate that lock 224is unlocked so that a patient can lower siderail 20.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, otherconfigurations of locks are provided such as latches, bolts, pins,clasps, hooks, clamps, keyed locks, unkeyed locks, or other devicesknown to those of ordinary skill in the art that prevent or avoidmovement of the retainer from holding the siderails in the upperposition. For example, according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a lock configuration is provided so that when the lockconfiguration is in a first position a release is moved to release thehold of the retainer on the siderail and in a second position therelease is moved, but the motion is “lost” and the retainer continues tohold the siderail in the upper position.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, otherconfigurations of siderails that also include patient-accessible releaseassemblies are provided such as clocking siderails that rotate about atransverse and horizontal axis, dropping siderails the move in asubstantially vertical plane, or any other configuration of siderailsknown to those of ordinary skill in the art. According to alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure, other configurations of railmembers with patient-accessible release assemblies are provided. Forexample, rail members including tubes, bars, solid panels, panels withopenings, or other configurations of rail members known to those ofordinary skill in the art are provided with patient-accessibleunlatching assemblies. According to an alternative embodiment of thepresent disclosure, a mechanical damper, dashpot, or gas spring isprovided to prevent rapid movement of the siderail from the up positionto the down position. Additional description of such a device isprovided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,548, entitled Chair Bed, to Weismilleret al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by referenceherein.

As shown in FIG. 1, when siderails 20, 21 are in upper position, railmembers 141, 143 block a patient's egress from hospital bed 10. Railmember 141 includes a bottom portion 252 coupled to third link 148 oflinkage assembly 142, an angled end portion 254 extending from bottomportion 252, a curved end portion 256 extending up from bottom portion252 and spaced apart from angled end portion 254, and a top rail portion258 coupled to and extending between angled and curved end portions 254,256. Rail member 143 includes a bottom portion 253 coupled to linkageassembly 142, an angled end portion 255 extending from bottom portion253 at an angle complementary to angled end portion 254 of rail member141, a curved end portion 257 extending up from bottom portion 253 andspaced apart from angled end portion 255, and a top rail portion 259coupled to and extending between angled and curved end portions 255,257. Thus, each rail member 141, 143 provides a barrier to a patientpositioned in hospital bed 10 so that the patient is restrained fromexiting hospital bed 10 when siderails 20, 21 are in the upperpositions.

Each siderail 20 further includes a clear armrest 260 pivotably coupledto top rail portion 258 of rail member 141 by a pair of straps 262.Armrest 260 is movable between a storage position, as shown in FIG. 32,and a use position as shown in FIG. 33 so that armrest 260 iscantilevered from rail member 141. Bottom portion 252, top rail portion258, angled end portion 254, and curved end portion 256 cooperate todefine a pocket 264 in which armrest 260 is positioned while in thestorage position as shown in FIGS. 32 and 34. To move armrest 258 to theuse position, a patient or caregiver rotates armrest 270E to theposition shown in FIGS. 33 and 35. While in the use position, a patientmay rest their arm on armrest 258 or position a cup 265 in a recess 266formed in armrest 258 defining a cup or container holder. According toalternative embodiments of the present disclosure, other configurationsof container holders are provided such as an opening extendingcompletely through the arm rest, an adjustable container holderconfigured to hold multiple sizes of containers, or other container orcup holder configurations known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Armrest 260 includes a base portion 268 coupled to rail member 141 ofsiderail 20 by straps 262 and a stop plate 270 coupled to base portion268 by an adhesive. Stop plate 270 is positioned to stop base portion268 in the use position. Base portion 268 is formed to include a notch272 sized to permit access to handle 210 so that a patient or acaregiver can access and pivot handle 210 when armrest 260 is in thestorage position.

Top rail portion 258 of rail member 141 and stop plate 270 areconfigured to stop the rotation of armrest 260 when it reaches the useposition. Top rail portion 258 has a dual-lobe cross section as shown inFIGS. 34 and 35. Top rail portion 258 has a circular base lobe 274 and adownwardly extending stop lobe 276 coupled to base lobe 274. Circularbase lobe 274 has a circular outer surface 278 having a substantiallyuniform radius of curvature from the axis of rotation of armrest 260 sothat an inner edge 280 of stop plate 270 does not engage outer surface278 to impede the rotation of armrest 260 as it rotates from the storageposition to the use position. Stop lobe 276 extends radially outwardlyfrom outer surface 278 of base lobe 274 so that inner edge 280 of stopplate 270 engages stop lobe 276 after 270E of rotation. Thus, therotation of armrest 260 is stopped at the use position as shown in FIG.35. Stop lobes 276 and, optionally, base lobes 274 are formed to includegrooves (not shown) that receive straps 262. Receipt of straps 262 inthese grooves prevents longitudinal shifting of armrests 260 relative totop rail portions 258 of the respective rail member 141 while permittingrotation of armrests 260 relative to top rail portions 258. According toalternative embodiments, the inner edge engaging the stop lobe isintegrally formed in the base of the armrest. According to alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure, the arm rest is slidably,removably, or otherwise coupled to the rail member.

An alternative embodiment siderail 282 is shown in FIGS. 36-39. Siderail282 includes a base frame 284 coupled to intermediate frame 52, a railmember 286 pivotably coupled to base frame 284, and a retainer 288positioned on rail member 286 to hold rail member 286 in one of aplurality of positions. As shown in FIG. 36, siderail 282 is moveable toan upright use position to block the egress of a patient from thehospital bed, and a lowered storage position permitting the patient toexit the hospital bed as shown in FIG. 38.

Base frame 284 includes a pair of arms 290 rigidly coupled tointermediate frame 52 and a tubular support member 292 extending betweenarms 290 as shown in FIG. 36. Rail member 286 includes a base portion294, a top rail portion 296 coupled to base portion 294, a first pair ofposts 298 coupled to base portion 294, a pair of collars 310 coupled tothe distal end of respective posts 298 to provide pivotal movementbetween base portion 294 and tubular support member 292, a second pairof posts 312 coupled to base portion 294, and a collar 314 coupled tothe distal ends of second pair of posts 312 to provide pivotal movementbetween base portion 294 and tubular support member 292. Collars 310engage arms 290 to prevent longitudinal shifting of rail member 286relative to tubular support member 292.

As shown in FIG. 37, retainer 288 includes a pair of pins 318, springs322 positioned around pins 318, and retention pins 324 coupled to pins318. A release 319 is provided that includes a pair of flat handles 316pivotably coupled to base portion 294 of rail member 286 and cables 320coupling handles 316 to pins 318. Tubular support member 292 is formedto include first, second, and third apertures 326, 328, 330. Pins 318are sized to slide into apertures 326, 328, 330 to hold siderail 282into either an inner, vertical, or horizontal position. Rail member 286includes a pair of first stabilizer blocks 285 appended to collar 314adjacent to posts 312 and a pair of second stabilizer blocks 287appended to base portion 294 adjacent to posts 312. Pins 318 extendthrough aligned bores 289, 291 formed in respective stabilizer blocks285, 287 and through respective bores 293 formed in collar 314. Pins 318are selectively received in apertures 326, 328, 330 when bores 289, 291,293 are aligned with one of apertures 326, 328, 330 and handles 316 arereleased.

To move siderail 282 from one position to another, either of handles 316are pivoted upwardly (shown in phantom in FIG. 37) so that one of cables320 pulls pin 318 out of the respective aperture 326, 328, 330. Whenpins 318 are removed from apertures 326, 328, 330, siderail 282 isreleased to pivot about tubular support member 292. Pins 318 slide overtubular support member 292 until they slide into the next respectiveaperture 326, 328, 330 to hold siderail 282 into the next respectiveposition.

When pins 318 are positioned in first apertures 326, siderail 282 is inthe inner position so that rail member 286 is inclined inwardly towardthe deck of the hospital bed and function as armrests for the patient.When pins 318 are positioned in second apertures 328, siderail 282 is inthe substantially vertical upper position. When pins 318 are positionedin third apertures 330, siderail 282 is substantially horizontal so thata patient can be supported on siderail 282 during lateral patienttransfer between the hospital bed and another patient-support devicelocated adjacent to the hospital bed.

When pins 328 are removed from apertures 326, 328, 330, springs 322 arecompressed between retention pins 324 and second stabilizer block 287 asshown in FIG. 39. This compression urges pins 328 back to the retentionposition when they slide over one of apertures 326, 328, 330. As pins328 move back to the retention position, cables 320 pull handles 316back to the stored position shown in FIG. 37.

Deck 14 is configured to support mattress 13. As shown in FIG. 40, 42,43, and 44 each section 22, 24, 26, 28 of deck 14 includes angled sidewalls 358. Head and foot sections 22, 28 have substantially flat bottomfloors or walls 360. Angled side walls 358 and floor 360 cooperate todefine obtuse angles therebetween of approximately 135E. According toalternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the obtuse anglesbetween the side walls and the floor may be range from slightly morethan 90E to slightly less than 180E. According to other alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure, the angles are right angles oracute angles.

As shown in FIGS. 28, 30, and 31, angled side walls 358 permit siderails20, 21 to be coupled to intermediate frame 52 at a position inset fromthe outer perimeter of deck 14 and beneath said deck 14 to providehospital bed 10 with a narrower overall width than beds without tuckingsiderails. When siderails 20, 21 are positioned in the lower position,top rail portions 258, 259 are positioned beneath the perimeter ofmattress 13 so that rails 20, 21 do not extend beyond the width ofmattress 13. Furthermore, by insetting siderails 20, 21, less room isnecessary for siderails 20, 21 to swing between the upper and lowerpositions. In addition, when siderails 20, 21 are in their loweredpositions, top edges of siderails 20, 21 are located adjacent to theangled side walls between the top and bottom surfaces of mattress 13which increases the amount of clearance that exists between the bottomedges of siderails 20, 21 and the floor when intermediate frame 52 anddeck 14 are in their lowered positions.

Back and seat sections 24, 26 of deck 14 have flexible bottoms that flexdue to a patient's weight to provide additional compliance to bed 10that would otherwise require additional foam in mattress 13. Back andseat sections 24, 26 of deck 14 include angled side walls 358,respective horizontal flanges 416, 418 coupled to angled side walls 358,and a flexible panel or support member 420 coupled to horizontal flanges416, 418 by fasteners 422 as shown in FIGS. 43-45. As shown in FIG. 44,each respective corner of flexible panels 420 is formed to include aslot 424 to receive one of fasteners 422. As weight is placed onflexible panels 420, they bend downwardly, as shown in phantom in FIGS.43 and 45, and the outer edges of flexible panels 420 are pulledinwardly as slots 424 move relative to fasteners 422 as shown in phantomin FIG. 44. This movement permits panels 420 to deflect approximately 2inches. Flexible panels 420 are made of compression molded glass meshbonded by a hard thermoset resin. The preferred flexible panel isprovided by Premix. According to alternative embodiments, flexiblepanels made of other materials are provided.

Flexible panel 420 is radiolucent to facilitate taking X-rays of apatient lying in hospital bed 10. Furthermore, flexible panel 420 has asubstantially smooth surface to facilitate wiping or cleaning of deck14. Thus, a flexible deck is provided that permits X-raying a patientpositioned in hospital bed 10 and is also relatively easy to clean.

Foot section 28 of deck 14 is extendable and retractable. A fulldescription of foot section 28 is disclosed in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/120,125, filed Jul. 22, 1998, the disclosure of which isexpressly incorporated by reference herein.

As shown in FIG. 40, deck 14 further includes a pair of grip handles 434coupled to the upper end of head section 22 of deck 14. A patientpositioned in hospital bed 10 may reposition themselves by grabbing griphandles 434 to lift their weight and shifting themselves to the right orleft or pulling themselves closer to head end 53 of upper frame 52. Analternative embodiment pair of grip handles 435 is shown in FIG. 53.Grip handles 435 are coupled on the upper corner of the head section ofthe deck and aid in keeping the mattress properly positioned on thedeck. It is known that when an upper body section of a hospital bed israised, there is a tendency for a patient supported on the bed to slidetoward the foot end of the bed and therefore, grip handles 434, 435 areespecially useful for patients to reposition themselves when back andhead sections 22, 24 are raised.

As shown in FIGS. 40 and 42, hospital bed 10 includes multi-componentmattress 13. Mattress 13 includes a firm foam perimeter frame 334, afirming pad 336, an upper soft foam layer 338 positioned below firmingpad 336, a heating layer 340 positioned below upper soft foam layer 338,a crowning bladder 342 positioned below heating layer 340, a pluralityof massage motors 344 positioned below crowning bladder 342, a middlefoam layer 346 positioned below crowning bladder 342, a lower foam layer348 positioned below middle foam layer 346, and a layer of ticking 347that covers the other components of mattress 13 as shown best in FIG.42.

Firm foam perimeter frame 334 is made of foam material of greaterfirmness than soft foam layer 338 to provide mattress 13 with astructure that urges a patient away from the perimeter of mattress 13.Perimeter frame 334 includes a head portion or section 350, a bodyportion of section 352 made of a foam that is softer than head section350, and a seat portion or section 353 made of a foam having a firmnessequal to body section 352. Each section 350, 352, 353 of perimeter frame334 has an angled base portion 354 and a flange portion 356 coupled tobase portion 354. Angled base portions 354 conform to deck 14 and flangeportions 356 extend out beyond deck 14 as shown in FIG. 42. The adjacentends of sections 350, 352, 353 cooperate to define respective taperedgaps 355, 357 (as shown in FIG. 41) therebetween to facilitate tiltingof head, back, and seat sections 22, 24, 26 of deck 14.

As shown in FIG. 40, firming pad 336 includes a plurality oftransversely extending bladders 362. Firming pad 336 includes an inlettube 364 that delivers pressured air to bladders 362. The pressurizedair inflates bladders 362, as shown in FIG. 42, to stiffen mattress 13.By stiffening mattress 13, caregivers are better able to administer CPRand remove the patient from hospital bed 10. Furthermore, by stiffeningmattress 13, a patient is better able to perform exercises while inhospital bed 10 than if mattress 13 was not stiffened. Hospital bed 10further includes a dead head pump (not shown) to inflate bladders 362and an exhaust port (not shown) for releasing the pressurized air frombladders 362 to return mattress 13 to the softer condition.

As shown in FIG. 41, upper soft foam layer 338 includes a head and backportion of section 339 and a separate seat portion or section 341. Asshown in FIG. 42, each portion or section 339, 341 includes a pair oftapered side surfaces or walls 366, 368 configured to mate with baseportion 354 of perimeter frame 334. An aperture 370 is formed in upperfoam layer 338 to receive inlet tube 364. As previously mentioned, uppersoft foam layer 338 is made of softer foam to provide a soft structureon which the patient may rest.

Heating layer 340 is positioned under upper soft foam layer 338 to benear the surface of mattress 13. Heating layer 340 is preferably made ofa resistive heating material, such as Gorix. A cable 372 is coupled toheating layer 340 and a heating control portion of control unit 692 thatregulates the temperature and timing of the heating. According to analternative embodiment, a heating layer is provided with zones to heatdifferent areas of the mattress at different temperature or durations oftime. For example, the foot end of the mattress could be heated toprovide heating of the foot extremities while the body section is heatedat a lower temperature.

Crowning bladder 342 is moveable between a deflated position, as shownin FIG. 43, wherein mattress 13 is substantially flat and an inflatedposition wherein mattress 13 is crowned, as shown in FIG. 45, tofacilitate lateral patient transfer from bed 10 to anotherpatient-support device adjacent bed 10 by creating an inclined surfacewhich provides a slight amount of gravity assistance when the caregiveris moving the patient toward the side of mattress 13. It is preferredthat firming pad 336 and crowning bladder 342 are both inflated duringpatient transfer, although it is not necessary.

As shown in FIG. 42, crowning bladder 342 includes a top layer 374, abottom layer 376 coupled to top layer 374, and an inlet tube 378 coupledto bottom layer 376. Inlet tube 378 is coupled to a pump (not shown)that provides pressurized air to inflate the area between top and bottomlayers 374, 376. An exhaust port (not shown) is coupled to crowningbladder 342 to release the pressurized air to return mattress 13 to theflat position.

Massage motors 344 are positioned in mattress 13 to permit a caregiverto give a patient vibration therapy for comfort and to prevent pulmonarycomplications. Each massage motor is a D.C. “slot” motor that issubstantially thin. A cable 380 is coupled to each massage motor 344 andcoupled to control unit 692 that regulates the timing and intensity ofthe vibrations. Each massage motor 344 may be operated independently orsimultaneously.

Middle foam layer 346 is made of a viscoelastic foam that is stifferthan upper soft foam layer 338. Similar to upper foam layer 338, middlefoam layer 346 includes a head and back portion or section 345 and aseparate seat portion or section 351. As shown in FIG. 42, each sectionof middle foam layer 346 includes a pair of tapered side walls 382, 384configured to mate with base portion 354 of perimeter frame 334. A pairof apertures 386, 388 are formed in middle foam layer 346 to receiveinlet tubes 364, 378.

Lower foam layer 348 is made of a stiffer material than middle foamlayer 346. In alternative embodiments, lower foam layer 348 is formedintegrally with and is comprised of foam having the same density aseither head section 350 or body section 352 of perimeter frame 334.Thus, bed 10 is provided with a mattress 13 having a stiffness gradientin which the stiffness increases with the depth of mattress 13. Similarto upper and middle foam layers 338, 346, lower foam layer 348 includesa head and back portion or section 349 and a separate seat portion orsection 363. As shown in FIG. 42, lower foam layer 348 includes a pairof tapered side walls 390, 392 configured to mate with base portion 354of perimeter frame 334. A pair of apertures 394, 396 are formed in lowerfoam layer 348 to receive inlet tubes 364, 378. Cables 372, 380 arepositioned between right base portion 354 and respective side walls 384,392 of middle and lower foam layers 346, 348. Mattress 13 includes footportion or section 426 that extends and retracts with the movement offoot section 28. As shown in FIGS. 41, 46, and 47, foot section 426 isformed to include a plurality of transverse slots 428. As foot section28 of deck 14 extends, each of the transverse slots 428 widens tocompensate for the extension. As foot section 28 retracts, slots 428narrow. As shown in FIG. 46, foot section 426 includes a pair of angledside surfaces or walls 430, 432 configured to conform to the angled sidewalls of foot section 28 of deck 14.

As shown in FIG. 42, ticking 347 is provided to protect the othercomponents of mattress 13 from contamination. Ticking 347 includes anupper portion 398 and a lower portion 410 configured to conform to deck14 that is coupled to upper portion 398 by a zipper. Lower portion 410of ticking 347 is provided with magnets that “stick” to deck 14 toprevent mattress 13 from sliding. Ticking 347 includes a fire-resistantacrylic knit having fiberglass yarn that provides a fire barrier.Ticking 347 also provides a vapor barrier to prevent contamination ofthe other mattress components. According to alternative embodiments, theupper and lower portions are sewn together or configured from a sleeve.According to another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, afire barrier layer separate from the ticking is provided.

An alternative embodiment mattress 436 is shown in FIG. 48. Mattress 436includes a foam core 438 and sealed upper and lower ticking 439, 441.Core 438 is positioned between upper and lower ticking 439, 441 andincludes head, back, and seat portions or sections 440, 442, 444 made ofa medium stiffness foam and a foot portion or section 446 made of aviscoelastic foam that is expandable and retractable for use with footsection 28 of deck 14. Head, back, seat, and foot sections 440, 442, 444each include angled side walls configured to conform to the angled wallsof deck 14. Thus, mattress 436 includes portions or sections 440, 442,444, 446 that are each one-piece blocks of foam which minimizes the costof mattress 436 yet still permits mattress 436 to articulate with deck14 of bed 10 and still permits deck 14 to extend and retract in length.

Foot section 446 is formed to include top and bottom transverse slots449 similar to slots 428 of mattress 13 to permit foot section 446 toexpand and retract. Foot section 446 is configured to prevent apatient's foot from migration over the edge of mattress 436. Footsection 446 includes a raised perimeter 448 that provides a boundary orfence to block a patient's foot from reaching the outer edge of mattress436. Foot section 446 is also configured to reduce the level ofinterface pressure between the patient's foot and mattress 436. Footsection 446 includes a raised calf portion 450 positioned to rest undera patient's calf. Calf portion 450 supports a portion of the patient'sweight that would otherwise be support by the patient's heel and thusreduces the overall interface pressure between the patient's heel andmattress 436. According to the preferred embodiment, calf portion 450 ismade of a stiffer foam than the remainder of foot section 446. Slots 449formed in foot section 446 create corrugations therein. The corrugationassociated with calf portion 450 has a consistent height across footsection 446 whereas each of the other corrugations have recessed centralportions located between the associated raised perimeters 448.

Another alternative embodiment mattress 452 is provided in FIG. 49.Mattress 452 includes upper and lower sealed ticking 454, 456, a foamcore 458, a pair of heating pads 460, a pair of crowning bladders 464,and a pair of vibration mechanisms 468. Core 458 is positioned betweenupper and lower ticking 454, 456 and includes a perimeter frame 470, afoot portion or section 472, a lower foam layer 474 positioned withinperimeter frame 470, a middle foam layer 476 positioned above lower foamlayer 474, and an upper foam layer 478 positioned directly below upperticking 454. Upper foam layer 478 is made of a low ILD foam materialthat includes wax impregnation cooling. Middle foam layer 476 is made ofviscoelastic foam.

Perimeter frame 470 includes a head portion or section 480, a backportion or section 482, and a seat portion or section 484. Head section480 is made of a high ILD foam and back section 482 is made of a mediumILD foam. Head, back, and seat sections 480, 482, 484 and foot section472 include angled side walls configured to conform to the angled wallsof deck 14. Lower foam layer 474 optionally may be either formedintegrally with head section 480 out of high ILD foam or formedintegrally with back and seat sections out of medium ILD foam.

Foot section 472 is formed to include top and bottom transverse slots486 similar to slots 428 of mattress 13 to permit foot section 472 toexpand and retract. Foot section 472 is configured to prevent apatient's foot from migrating over the edge of mattress 452. Footsection 472 includes a raised perimeter 488 that provides a boundary orfence to block a patient's foot from reaching the outer edge of mattress452. Foot section 472 is also configured to reduce the level ofinterface pressure between the patient's foot and mattress 452. Footsection 472 includes a raised calf portion 490 positioned to rest undera patient's calf. According to a preferred embodiment, calf portion 490supports a portion of the patient's weight that would otherwise besupport by the patient's heel and thus reduces the overall interfacepressure between the patient's heel and mattress 452. Calf portion 490is made of a stiffer foam than the remainder of foot section 472.

Another alternative embodiment mattress 492 is provided in FIG. 50.Mattress 492 is substantially similar to mattress 452 of FIG. 49.Mattress 492 includes an air bladder 494 comprising a plurality oftransverse cylinders 496 coupled side-by-side. Illustrative transversecylinders 496 are in fluid communication with one another such that airbladder 494 is a single bladder zone that is inflated as a unit.However, it is within the scope of the disclosure as presently perceivedfor multiple air bladder zones to be provided in mattress 492 in lieu ofair bladder 494 and for the level of inflation in each of these separatezones to be controlled individually.

The air pressure in air bladder 494 is controlled by an air system 497shown in FIG. 51. Air system 497 includes a pump 498 (preferably aThomas Model 6025SE air pump), a check valve 510 coupled to pump 498 bya first conduit 512, a dump valve 514 coupled to check valve 510 by asecond conduit 516 and to air bladder 494 by a third conduit 518, avalve switch 520 coupled to third conduit 518 by a fourth conduit 522, apump switch 524 coupled to fourth conduit 522, a pneumatic resistor 526positioned within fourth conduit 522, and a pneumatic capacitor 528 alsopositioned in fourth conduit 520. Air system 497 also includes anelectric plug 530 including a common wire 532 coupled to pump 498 anddump valve 514 and a hot wire 534 coupled to valve and pump switches520, 524. Air system 497 further includes a first wire 536 coupled todump valve 514 and valve switch 520 and a second wire 538 coupled topump 498 and pump switch 524.

Hot wire 534 is coupled to valve switch 520 so that valve switch 520 isnormally in the closed position completing the electrical circuit to runpump 498. When valve switch 520 senses a pressure greater than 10 inchesof water, it switches to the open position opening the electricalcircuit to turn pump 498 off. Hot wire 534 is coupled to pump switch 524so that valve switch 520 is normally in the opened position so that dumpvalve 514 is normally closed. When pump switch 524 senses a pressuregreater than 12 inches of water, it switches to the closed positioncompleting the electrical circuit to open valve 514. Each switch 520,524 includes an adjustment screw 523 to adjust the switching pressure atwhich pump 498 and dump value 514 are activated and deactivated.

Air system 497 provides air bladder 494 with a range of air pressuresbetween the predetermined high and low limits (preferably between0.3-0.4 psi). If the pressure of air bladder 494 is betweenpredetermined high and low levels, pump 494 does not run and dump valve514 is not open to bleed air. Valve and pump switches 520, 524 cooperateto regulate the air pressure level in air bladder 494 by monitoring theair pressure in air bladder 494, turning pump 498 on when the airpressure in air bladder 494 is below the predetermined lower limit, andopening dump valve 514 when the air pressure in air bladder 494 is abovethe predetermined high limit.

To inflate air bladder 494, plug 530 is inserted into an outlet (notshown) or air system 497 is otherwise turned on. Valve and pump switches520, 524 measure the pressure level in air bladder 494 through third andfourth conduits 518, 522. If the pressure is below the lower limit, pumpswitch 524 moves to a position closing a circuit between hot wire 534and second wire 538 to provide pump 498 with electricity to run pump498. Pump 498 responds by pumping pressurized air through first conduit512, dump valve 514, second conduit 516, check valve 510, and thirdconduit 518 to air bladder 494. Check valve 510 permits air to flow frompump 498 through first conduit 512, but prevents air from flowing topump 498 through first conduit 512.

The gradual introduction of air into air bladder 494 increases thepressure therein. As the pressure in air bladder 494 surpasses thepredetermined lower limit, pump switch 524 moves from the normallyclosed position to the open position so that the electrical circuit topump 498 is broken and pump 498 stops. If the pressure level in airbladder 494 dips below the predetermined lower limit, pump switch 524moves back to the normally closed position so that the electricalcircuit to pump 498 is complete and pump 498 again pumps air into airbladder 494.

As a patient enters the hospital bed including mattress 492, the overallpressure in air bladder 494 increases. If this pressure rises above thepredetermined high limit, valve switch 520 moves from the normally openposition, with dump valve 514 deactivated and in the closed position, tothe closed position. This completes the electrical circuit to dump valve514 to activate and open dump valve 514. When dump valve 514 is open,air flows from air bladder 494 to third conduit 518 and out of dumpvalve 514. As air is bled out of air bladder 494, the air pressure inair bladder 494 gradually decreases until the air pressure is below thepredetermined high limit as which point dump valve 514 closes. Thus, airis introduced and removed from air bladder 494 through a single port(third conduit 518) and fewer couplers are required to connect airsystem 397 to air bladder 494.

Pneumatic resistor 526 and pneumatic capacitor 528 cooperate to define asimple and inexpensive pneumatic damper that prevents momentary spikesin the air bladder pressure from reaching pump and valve switches 524,520. By damping the air pressure “seen” by pump and valve switches 524,520, they do not switch on and off for minor momentary changes in airbladder air pressure so that excessive switching of pump 498 and dumpvalve 514 does not occur. Such momentary changes in the air pressure inthe air pressure of air bladder 494 may occur when a patient shifts inthe hospital bed or when pump 498 and dump valve 514 are activated anddeactivated.

Pneumatic resistor 526 is a restriction having an inside diameter lessthan the inside diameter of third and fourth conduits 518, 522.Pneumatic capacitor 528 is a tube having an inside diameter that isgreater than the inside diameter of third and fourth conduits 518, 522.The tube is packed with foam. According to the presently preferredembodiment, the inside diameter of pneumatic resistor 526 is 0.125inches and the inside diameter of pneumatic capacitor 528 is 0.5 inches.Thus, air system 497 is a simple, inexpensive air system that maintainsthe level of inflation in air bladder 494 within a predetermined rangeof pressures, without the need for expensive electrical circuitcomponents such as microprocessors or micro-controllers. According to analternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the air systemincludes microprocessors and/or micro-controllers.

An alternative embodiment footboard 540 is shown in FIG. 52. Footboard540 includes a base 542, a pair of side portions 544, 546 rigidlycoupled to base 542, and a pair of flaps 548, 550 pivotably coupled tobase 542. As shown in FIG. 52, flaps 548, 550 extend beyond sideportions 544, 546 toward siderails 282. This extension reduces the gapbetween siderails 282 and footboard 540 so that a patient is preventedfrom exiting the hospital bed through said gap. As shown in phantom inFIG. 52, flaps 548, 550 may be moved to a storage position positionedadjacent to base 542. Each flap 548, 550 is configured so that they willnot fold out past siderails 282 to prevent a patient supported by thehospital bed from pushing flaps 548, 550 outwardly in an effort to exitthe bed.

According to an alternative embodiment footboard, a base and a pair offlaps are provided. The base is coupled to the intermediate frame andextends along the lower end of the mattress and each flap is pivotablycoupled to the base to swing outwardly to a storage position adjacent anouter surface of the base. To move the flap to a use position, thesiderails are lowered and the flap are swung to a position adjacent tothe respective sides of the mattress. The siderails are then raised totrap the respective flaps between the respective sides of the mattressand the respective siderails. This trapping prevents a patientpositioned in the bed from swinging the flaps to the storage position inan effort to exit the bed. Thus, no gap exits between the siderails andthe base through which a patient may exit the bed.

Footboard 540 is removable from the hospital bed and forms a table whenpositioned over siderails 282 slanted to the inner position as shown inFIG. 53. While positioned over siderails 282, base 542 is substantiallyhorizontal providing a surface for placing various items such as foodtrays, beverage containers, books, or other items. Base 542 is formed toinclude recesses for holding cups or other objects or to define a lip toprevent objects from rolling off of base 542. Side portions 544, 546restrain transverse movement of footboard 540. Flaps 548, 550 may remainpositioned to extend down below side portions 544, 546 or may be tuckedin the storage position while footboard 540 is being used as a table.

An alternative removable headboard 552 is shown in FIG. 54. Headboard552 includes a tubular frame 554 removably coupled to the deck and afabric screen 556 slidably coupled to tubular frame 554. As shown inFIG. 55, fabric screen 556 is sewn together near the perimeter to form asleeve 558 in which portions of tubular frame 554 are positioned. Toclean or replace screen 556 with another fabric pattern that “matches”the decor of the hospital room (such as the curtain fabric, furnitureupholstery, comforter, sheets, or other items in the hospital room),tubular frame 554 is pulled upwardly and removed from the deck. Screen556 is slid along tubular frame 554 until completely removed therefrom.Screen 556 is then laundered. To put screen 556 back on tubular frame554, an end of tubular frame 556 is fed into each sleeve 558 and screen556 is slid around tubular frame 556 until it surrounds tubular frame556 as shown in FIG. 54. The respective ends of tubular frame 556 arethen inserted back into the deck to reinstall headboard 552 to thehospital bed. According to an alternative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a footboard is provided having a removable fabric screen.

Yet another alternative removable footboard 560 is shown in FIG. 56.Footboard 560 is removable from the deck and includes a base 562, a pairof side portions 564, 566, and a pair of side flaps 568, 570 pivotablycoupled to respective side portions 564, 566. Side flaps 568, 570 aremovable between a use position as shown in FIG. 56 and function asextensions of side portions 564, 566 that engage a pair of siderails 282coupled to the deck and a storage position tucked within an outersurface of side portions 564, 566 as shown in FIG. 57. Locks (not shown)are provided to secure side flaps 568, 570 in the use position.According to an alternative embodiment footboard 574, as shown in FIG.58, side flaps 576, 578 tuck within an inner surface of side portions580, 582. Stops (not shown) are provided to secure side flaps 576, 578in the use position. Side flaps 568, 570, 576, 578 each include a notchpositioned to secure the respective bases 562 to vertically-extendingsiderails 282.

Yet another alternative embodiment removable footboard 584 is shown inFIGS. 59 and 60. Footboard 584 is a molded part and includes a baseportion 586 formed to include a recess to retain object thereon and apair of angled side portions 588, 590 positioned over a pair ofsiderails 592 that are inclined inwardly.

As shown in FIG. 61, another hospital bed 810 is provided including aframe 812, a deck 814 coupled to frame 812, a mattress 813 positioned ondeck 814, a headboard 816 coupled to frame 812, a footboard 818 coupledto deck 814, a pair of head end siderails 820 coupled to deck 814, and apair of foot end siderails 822 coupled to frame 812. Frame 812 isconfigured to raise and lower deck 814 relative to the floor and to movedeck 814 to the Trendelenburg position and the Reverse Trendelenburgposition.

As shown in FIG. 62, bed 810 further includes a CPR crash board 830 anda pocket 832 sized to removably receive a board 830 as shown in FIG. 64.When necessary a caregiver can remove board 830 from pocket 832 andposition board 830 under a patient's torso to assist the caregiver inadministering CPR to the patient.

Bed 810 includes a CPR board retention member or strap 834 coupled toheadboard 816 that defines pocket 832. Strap 834 is preferably made ofsteel or any other rigid material and includes first and second sidewalls 836, 838 spaced apart by a distance 840 slightly larger than awidth 842 of board 830. Strap 834 also includes a third side wall 844extending between first and second side walls 836, 838 and spaced apartfrom headboard 816 by a distance 846 slightly larger that a thickness848 of board 830 so that board 830 can be removed from pocket 832 whennecessary. As shown in FIG. 62, board 830 includes a handle opening 850to facilitate such removal.

As shown in FIG. 63, headboard 816 includes a base member 852 and a pairof handles 854 coupled thereto to facilitate pushing hospital bed 810about a care facility. Headboard 816 further includes a plurality ofcontrol buttons 856 positioned above an upper edge of board 810. Controlbuttons 856 are provided to control a propulsion device 858 shown inFIGS. 85-87 and described in greater detail below.

As shown in FIG. 65, frame 812 includes a rectangular lower frame memberor base frame 860, a pair of head end wheels or casters 862, a pair offoot end wheels or casters 863 coupled to base frame 860 to permithospital bed 810 to be rolled about a care facility, a rectangularintermediate frame 864, a linkage system 866 coupled to intermediate andbase frames 864, 860 to permit relative motion therebetween, and anactuator system (not shown) providing power to actuate linkage system866 and move upper member 864 relative to base frame 860. Linkage system866 and the actuator system are substantially similar to linkage system654 and actuator system 656 shown in FIG. 8 and discussed above.

Hospital bed 810 further includes a caster braking system 868 includinga caster-brake link 870 extending through hollow base frame 860 as shownin FIGS. 66 and 67. The caster braking system 868 interconnects eachcaster 862, 863 to provide simultaneous braking of casters 862, 863. Tosimultaneously brake casters 862, 863, the caregiver steps on one offoot brake pedals 872, 874 and the caster braking system locks casters862, 863 against rolling.

As shown in FIG. 66, foot brake pedal 872 is longitudinally spaced apartfrom caster 862 by a distance 876. Foot brake pedal 872 is coupled tobase frame 860 by a rod 878 and pivotably coupled to caster-brake link870 by an arm 880. According to the preferred embodiment, rod 878 isround. According to alternative embodiments, the rod is hexagonal.

During rotation of foot brake pedal 872 about axis 882 in direction 884,arm 880 transmits force to caster-brake link 870. Caster-brake link 870moves in direction 871 to transmit this force to an arm 886 pivotablycoupled to caster-brake link 870 and rigidly coupled to a hexagonal rod888 of caster braking system 868. This rotation causes hexagonal rod 888to rotate about an axis 890 in direction 886 causing caster 862 to lock.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure,caster-brake link 870 is positioned below rod 878 so thatcounterclockwise rotation of rod 878 by foot brake pedal 872 indirection 884 causes movement of caster-brake link 870 in direction 871.Similarly, rotation of rod 878 in clockwise direction 869 causescaster-brake link 870 to move in direction 867 and hexagonal rod 888 torotate in clockwise direction 865 to unlock caster 868. According to analternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the caster-brake linkis positioned above the rod so that rotation of the rod in direction 882causes the caster-brake link to move in direction 867 and movement ofthe rod in direction 869 causes the caster-brake link to move indirection 871.

Additional description of a caster braking system similar to the casterbraking system of the present disclosure is provided in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/263,039, filed Mar. 5, 1999, to Mobley et al.,entitled Caster and Braking System, which is expressly incorporated byreference herein. According to alternative embodiments of the presentdisclosure other configurations of caster braking and/or steeringsystems with or without simultaneous locking functions are provided foruse with the foot brake pedal and caster-brake link of the presentdisclosure.

Caster-brake link 870 also transmits the rotation of foot brake pedal872 to the other hexagonal rods 888, 892 associated with the othercasters 862, 863 to simultaneously brake all four casters 862, 863. Asshown in FIG. 67, link 870 includes a portion 895 that continues toextend through frame member 860 and coupled to hexagonal rod 892 in amanners similar to the coupling to hexagonal rod 888 shown in FIG. 67.Therefore, when hexagonal rods 888 of caster 862 rotate about axis ofrotation 890, hexagonal rod 892 rotates about axis 894. To unlockcasters 862, 863, foot brake pedal 872 is rotated in a directionopposite direction 884 to rotate hexagonal rod 888 in a directionopposite direction 890 to unlock caster 862. Caster-brake link 870 alsotransmits the rotation to the other hexagonal rods 888, 892 tosimultaneously release all casters 862, 863.

A transversely extending rod (not shown) transmits the rotation ofhexagonal rod 892 of one of foot end casters 863 to the other hexagonalrod 892 or the other foot-end caster 863. Another caster-brake link (notshown) that is identical to caster-brake link 870 extends through theopposite side of base frame 860 and couples hexagonal rods 888, 892 androd 878 together so that rotation of the other head end pedal 872 istransferred to all four casters 862, 863 to provide simultaneous lockingand unlocking of casters 862, 863.

Similarly, the caster-brake links 870 also transmit the rotation of footbrake pedals 874 to all four caster 862, 863. Foot brake pedals 874 aredirectly coupled to hexagonal rods 892 as shown in FIG. 61 and coupledto the caster-brake links 870 by an arm (not shown) similar to arm 886.Thus, if brake pedals 874 are rotated to lock or unlock either caster863, the other casters 862, 863 are also locked or unlocked.

Brake pedal 872 is positioned so that a caregiver standing adjacent toheadboard 816 can operate the caster braking system. As shown in FIG.65, brake pedal 872 includes a foot pad 875 positioned adjacent to ahead end of base frame 860. A caregiver positioned near headboard 816can step on pad 875 to lock casters 862, 863 without having to move tothe side of bed 810 to access brake pedal 872.

As shown in FIG. 66, because brake pedal 872 is longitudinally spacedapart from caster 862, axis of rotation 890 of hexagonal rod 888 islongitudinally positioned between axis of rotation 882 of rod 878 andaxis of rotation 894 of hexagonal rod 892. Thus, the portion ofcaster-brake link 870 positioned between arms 880, 886 is an extension896 that permits pedal 872 to be longitudinally spaced apart from caster862. According to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure,the foot end brake pedals are also spaced apart from the foot endcasters in a manner similar to head end brake pedals.

As shown in FIG. 61, footboard 818 includes a body member 898 includinga pair of curved end portions 900 and a substantially flat centerportion 901 positioned between curved end portions 900. End portions 900have handle portions 902 that facilitate pushing hospital bed 10 about acare facility. Bed 810 further includes a pair of gap fillers 904pivotably coupled to curved end portions 900 of body member 898 byhinges 906.

Gap fillers 904 are provided to block movement of a patient into gaps908 defined between foot end siderails 822 and footboard 818 so that apatient is prevented from exiting the hospital bed through gaps 902. Asshown in FIG. 70, gap filler 904 can be pivoted in direction 914 to moveeach gap filler 904 from a use position to a storage position. To movegap filler 904 from the storage position to the use position, foot endsiderail 822 must be lowered to the down storage position so that gapfiller 904 is free to move in direction 905 to a position adjacent tomattress 813. Then, foot end siderail 822 is raised to trap gap filler904 between mattress 813 and foot end siderail 822 as shown in FIG. 61.

Each gap filler 904 includes a body member 928 having a handle portion930 defining openings 932, as shown in FIG. 61, that align with openings931 defined by handle portions 902 of footboard 818 when gap fillers 904are in the storage position. Each body member 928 includes a curvedportion 903 and a substantially flat portion 905 coupled to curvedportions 903 that complement curved end portions 900 and flat portion901 of footboard 818 when in the storage position. To move gap fillers904 to the storage position, the respective siderail 822 is lowered topermit the respective gap filler 904 to swing out in direction 914 tothe storage position. When in the storage position, a first surface 907of body member 928 is positioned adjacent to an outer surface 909 offootboard 818.

As shown in FIG. 69, footboard 818 further includes a first coupler 910preferably made of hook-and-loop material and each gap filler 904includes a second coupler 912 also preferably made of hook-and-loopmaterial that is aligned with first coupler 910 to retain gap filler 904in the storage position adjacent to outer surface 909 of footboard 818.When gap filler 904 is in the storage position, second coupler 912couples to first coupler 910 to secure gap filler 904 in the storageposition with first surface 906 of gap filler 904 adjacent to outersurface 908 of footboard 818. According to alternative embodiments ofthe present disclosure, other couplers are provided to coupled the gapfillers to the footboard when in the storage position. For example,according to alternative embodiments, snaps, ties, tabs, retainers,magnets, fasteners, and other couplers known to those of ordinary skillin the art are provided.

To move gap fillers 904 back to the use position, foot end siderails 822are moved to the down storage position and second couplers 912 of gapfillers 904 are uncoupled from first couplers 910 of footboard 818. Gapfillers 904 are swung in direction 905 about hinges 906 so that distalends 916 of gap fillers 904 are positioned adjacent to mattress 813 asshown in FIG. 70. Next, foot end siderails 822 are raised to trap eachgap filler 904 between mattress 813 and the respective foot end siderail822 as shown in FIGS. 61 and 70.

As shown in FIG. 68, a hinge 906 is pivotably coupled to footboard 818by a pin 918 so that hinges 906 rotate about a first vertical axis 920.Hinges 906 includes a pair of flanges 922, 924 through which pin 918extends and a curved body portion 926 extending between flanges 922,924. Footboard 818 includes a pair of slots 923, 925 that provideclearance for flanges 922, 924 to travel during rotation about firstvertical axis 920.

Each gap filler 904 further includes a hinge plate 934 pivotablycoupling each gap filler 904 to respective hinges 906 so that gapfillers 904 can rotate about a second vertical axis 936. Hinge plate 934is coupled to body member 928 by fasteners 938. Thus, gap fillers 904rotate about two spaced-apart vertical axises 920, 936 so that therespective gap fillers 904 can rest snugly against outer surface 908 offootboard 818 when in the storage position.

As shown in FIG. 71, each foot end siderail 822 includes a rail member938 coupled to deck 814 by a plurality of linkages 940. Rail member 938includes an opening 942 positioned below a hand rail portion 944 of railmember 938. Rail member 938 includes an upper edge 946 including twoconvex end portions 948, 950 and a concave portion 952 positionedbetween convex end portions 948, 950. Suitable linkages for coupling thefoot end and head end siderails to the deck and intermediate frame arediscussed herein and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/005,637,titled Bed Side Rails, filed Jan. 12, 1998, to Weismiller et al., thedisclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Each head end siderail 820 includes a rail member 954 coupled to deck814 by a plurality of linkages 956. Rail member 954 includes an opening957 positioned below a hand rail portion 958 of rail member 954. Railmember 954 includes an upper edge 960 and a concave side edge 962 spacedapart from end portion 948 of foot end siderail 822 to define a gap 963between foot and head end siderails 822, 820.

As shown in FIG. 71, end portion 948 of upper edge 946 and side edge 962each have substantially uniform radii of curvature 965, 967 centeredupon an axis of rotation 964 of a head portion or section 824 of deck814. Because of this configuration, gap 963 remains substantiallyconstant as head section 824 rotates in a clockwise direction 968 aboutaxis of rotation 964 until it reaches the position shown in FIG. 73.

Concave portion 952 permits head section 824 to rotate further aboutaxis of rotation 964 than if upper edge 946 were substantially flat.Concave portion 952 provides clearance for head end siderail 820 totravel as it approaches the position shown in FIG. 73. Thus, byproviding concave portion 952, head section 824 and head end siderail820 are permitted to rotate further about axis of rotation 964 beforegap 963 would otherwise begin to close. According to the presentlypreferred embodiment of the present disclosure, head end siderail 820does not rotate any further in clockwise direction 968 than shown inFIG. 73.

Concave portion 952 compliments a convex corner 953 defined by thejunction of upper edge 960 and a side edge 962 of rail member 954. Whenhead end siderail 820 is positioned in its upper-most position, as shownin FIG. 73, corner 953 is substantially uniformly spaced apart fromconcave portion 952. Thus concave portion 952 and corner 953 definecomplementary formations assisting in the maintenance of a substantiallyuniform gap therebetween.

Concave portion 952 includes a pair of inclined portions 961, 963portions and a curved portion 965 positioned between inclined portions961, 963. According to alternative embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the concave portion is notched, more shallow, deeper, or anyother concave shape known to those of ordinary skill in the art.According to another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure,the concave portion is positioned on the head end siderails to receivehead end portions of the foot end siderails when in the raised position.

Bed 810 further includes a control system configured to control variousfunctions thereof. As shown in FIG. 74, the control system includes acontroller 970 that is removably received by rail member 938 of foot endsiderail 822 so that it can be removed from foot end siderail 822 andperform as a wireless remote control for controlling various functionsof bed 810. For example, controller 970 is configured to control theraising and lowering of deck 814 and to control movement of head andseat sections 824, 826 of deck 814. Controller 970 is also configured toreceive information from a caregiver related to a patient and to sendand receive patient or bed-related data to a central computer forstorage, tracking, and analysis.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, thecontroller is configured to control other features of the bed such asfeatures of the mattress. Additional description of suitable electronicsand other features of a controller is provided in U.S. Pat. No.6,008,598, titled Hand-Held Controller For Bed and Mattress Assembly,filed Apr. 22, 1998, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporatedherein by reference and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/202,284, titled Remote Control for a Hospital Bed, filed May 5, 2000,the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

As shown in FIG. 74, controller 970 includes a housing 972, a speakerand microphone 974, and a pair of ball detents 976 coupled to side walls978 of housing 972. Each rail member 938 of foot end siderails 822includes a pocket 980 and a pair of recesses 982 configured to receiveball detents 976 as shown in FIGS. 74 and 75.

Ball detents 976 are spring biased outwardly to fit in recesses 982. Toremove controller 970 from rail member 938, a user pulls on controller970 and surfaces 983 defining recesses 982 force ball detents 976inwardly in directions 977, 979 against the bias of the springs (notshown) to permit withdrawal of controller 970 from pocket 980. To couplecontroller 970 to either foot end siderail 822, ball detents 976 arealigned with recesses 982 and pushed into pocket 980 so that surfaces981, 983 defining pocket 980 force ball detents 976 inwardly indirections 977, 979 against the bias of the springs until ball detents976 are pushed into recesses 982 by the springs.

Ball detents 976 also pivotably couple housing 972 to each rail member938. This coupling permits a user to read a touch control screen 984 ofcontroller 970 and speak into microphone 974 better by titling a loweredge 993 of housing 972 upward. Control screen 984 is a touch screenconfigured to display information and receive touch commands from auser. According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure,other configurations of couplers between the housing and the rail memberare provided. For example, hooks, hook-and-loop type fasteners, snaps, adetachable hinge, or other devices known to those of ordinary skill inthe art are provided to removably and/or pivotably couple the controllerto the siderail. Additional description of a suitable touch controlscreen is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,548, entitled Chair Bed, toWeismiller et al., and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/187,825,entitled Controller For an Operating Room Table and Surface, to Borders,the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Housing 972 has a width 985 that is less than a width 987 of pocket 980so that when controller 970 is positioned in pocket 980, controller 970and surfaces 981, 983 cooperate to define hand holes 989, 991 as shownin FIG. 73. To tilt or remove controller 970, a caregiver inserts eitherof their hands or fingers into one of hand holes 989, 991 to graspcontroller 970. Having grasped controller 970, the caregiver can thentilt controller 970 upward or pull on controller 970 to depress balldetents 976 and remove controller 970 from pocket 980. According toalternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the wireless remotecontroller is configured to couple to other barriers on the bed such asthe head end siderails, headboard, or footboard.

As shown in FIGS. 76-78, the control system further includes a cordedcontroller 986 configured to removably and slidably couple to head andfoot end siderails 820, 822. Controller 986 includes a housing 988, aplurality of control buttons 990 for controlling various functions ofbed 810, and a speaker 992 and microphone (not shown) for facilitatingcommunication between a person positioned on bed 810 and a caregiver.

Controller 986 is configured to slide in either opening 957 of railmember 954 of head end siderail 820 or opening 942 of rail member 938 offoot end siderail 822. As shown in FIG. 76, controller 986 is configuredto slide on rail member 954 between an infinite number of positionsincluding a first position (shown in solid) and a second position (shownin phantom). Similarly, controller 986 is configured to slide on railmember 938 between an infinite number of positions including a firstposition (shown in solid in FIG. 78) and a second position (shown inphantom).

Because patients vary in size, one patient may find it more convenientto position controller 986 in one of the many available positions oneither head or foot end siderails 820, 822 than another patient. Thus,various patients can position controller 986 in any of the infinitenumber of positions on any of head or foot end siderails 820, 822.Furthermore, a patient may decided to adjust the position of controller986 if the configuration of deck 814 is changed. For example, if headsection 824 of deck 814 is raised, a patient may desire to repositioncontroller 986.

As shown in FIG. 77, housing 988 of controller 986 includes a pair ofspaced-apart concave surfaces 994, 996 that complement convex surfaces998, 1010 of rail member 954 of head end siderail 820. Foot end siderail822 also includes convex surfaces 1012, 1014 that are complemented byconcave surfaces 994, 996. Thus, as shown in FIG. 77, a substantialportion of controller 986 is positioned within rail member 954 so thatcontroller 986 maintains a relatively low profile compared to an innersurface 1017 of rail member 954 when positioned in rail member 954 toavoid interference with other components of bed 810 or other pieces ofmedical equipment. According to alternative embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the controller is positioned further in the opening formedin the rail member so that little or none of the controller extendsbeyond an inner surface of the rail member.

Controller 986 further includes four spaced-apart tabs or retainers 1016configured to retain controller 986 in either opening 954, 957 (only twoof the four tabs 1016 are visible in FIG. 77). Each tab 1016 ispositioned near one of four corners 1015 of a back surface 1018 ofhousing 988 and has a distal end 1020 that contacts one of the convexsurfaces 998, 1010, 1012, 1014.

Each tab 1016 is flexible so that when a patient pulls on controller 986in direction 1022, tabs 1016 flex inwardly to permit distal ends 1020 toride over the inner most portions of convex surfaces 998, 1010, 1012,1014 so that tabs 1016 no longer retain controller 986 in the respectivesiderail 820, 822. To reposition controller 986 back in siderails 820,822, the patient pushes controller in direction 1024 so that tabs 1016ride back over the inner most portions of convex surfaces 998, 1010,1012, 1014 so that tabs 1016 retain controller 986 in head and foot endsiderails.

According to the presently preferred embodiment of the presentdisclosure, tabs 1016 are made of a flexible material such as rubber orplastic materials. According to alternative embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the tabs or retainers are pivotably coupled to the housingto provide movement of the distal ends of the tabs. According to anotheralternative embodiment of the present disclosure, ball detents areprovided, such as those shown in FIG. 75, to removably retain thecontroller in the head and foot end siderails. According to otheralternative embodiments of the disclosure, other retainers known tothose of ordinary skill in the art are used to retain the controller inthe siderails.

The respective pairs of convex surfaces 998, 1010, 1012, 1014 cooperateto define a rail or guide and concave surfaces 994, 996 and tabs 1016cooperate to define a complementary formation configured to ride alongthe guide. According to alternative embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other configurations of guides and complementary formationsare provided such as raised rails, channels, slots, or otherconfigurations of guides and complementary formations known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 77, controller 986 further includes a cord 1032 thatcommunicates electric signals to and from controller 986. As shown inFIGS. 82 and 84, cord 1032 includes a connector 1034 that couples toeither of two connectors 1036, 1038 coupled to intermediate frame 864.According to the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, connector 1036is coupled to a first side 1037 of bed 810 as shown in FIG. 61 andconnector 1038 is coupled to an opposite second side 1039 of bed 810 asshown in FIGS. 82 and 84. A plurality of wires 1040 are coupled to eachconnector 1036, 1038 to communicate with the various electricallycontrolled devices of bed 810. Preferably, plurality of wires 1040 fromeach side 1037, 1039 meet at a junction (not shown) and then extend tothe various electrically controlled devices.

Because two connectors 1036, 1038 are provided on opposite sides 1037,1039 of bed 810, controller 986 can be plugged into either side 1037,1039 of bed 810. Thus, if a patient or caregiver finds it moreconvenient to position controller 986 on the pair of head and foot endsiderails 820, 822 on first side 1037 of bed 810, controller 986 can beplugged into connector 1036 without cord 1032 having to be strung overmattress 813. Similarly, if a patient or caregiver finds it moreconvenient to position controller 986 on the pair of head and foot endsiderails 820, 822 on second side 1039 of bed 810, controller 986 can beplugged into connector 1038 without cord 1032 having to be strung overmattress 813. Thus, a corded controller is provided that can beremovably coupled to either side of the bed without having to string thecord of the controller over the mattress of the bed.

As shown in FIG. 61, bed 810 further includes a plurality of pedals 1044substantially similar to pedals 752. Pedals 1044 are provided to raiseand lower deck 814 and to move deck 814, tilting and untilting headsection 824 relative to intermediate frame 864, moving intermediateframe 864 between the Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg positions,and tilting and un-tilting seat section 826 relative to intermediateframe 864.

As previously mentioned, deck 814 includes several portions or sections824, 828, 826, that can be tilted relative to intermediate frame 864.Head section 824 is positioned adjacent to headboard 816 and ispivotably coupled to upwardly extending flanges 873 of intermediateframe 864 as shown in FIG. 82. Seat section 826 is also pivotablycoupled to upwardly extending flanges 873 of intermediate frame 864.Foot section 826 is pivotably coupled to seat section 826 by a hinge1046 with footboard 818 to a foot end thereof as shown in FIGS. 79-81.Seat and foot sections 826, 828 have tapered ends portions 825, 827providing clearance therebetween during titling of foot section 828relative to seat section 826 as shown in FIG. 80. Thus, all sections822, 826, 828 are pivotable relative to intermediate frame 864.

Hospital bed 810 further includes a tilt mechanism 1048 facilitatingautomatic tilting of seat and foot sections 826, 828 relative tointermediate frame 864 and foot section 828 relative to seat section826. Tilt mechanism 1048 includes a tilt actuator 1050 coupled tointermediate frame 864 and seat section 826 and a link 1052 removablycoupled to foot section 828 and pivotably coupled to intermediate frame864. Intermediate frame 864 includes a pin 1054 received by a notch 1056in link 1052 so that link 1052 is movable between a locked position,shown in FIGS. 79 and 81, and an unlocked position, shown in FIG. 80.These two positions provide two modes of titling between seat section826 and foot section 828.

When in the locked position, link 1052 provides a rigid link betweenintermediate frame 864 and foot section 828. As tilt actuator 1050 islengthened, seat section 826 pivots relative to intermediate frame 864as shown in FIGS. 80 and 81. When link 1052 is in the locked positionand tilt actuator 1050 is activated, foot section 828 moves upwardlyrelative to intermediate frame 864 as shown in FIG. 81 but, maintains asubstantially horizontal orientation. According to alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure, other orientations are provided.

When link 1052 is uncoupled from pin 1054 and tilt actuator 122 isactivated, as shown in FIG. 80, foot section 828 rotates about a roller1057 coupled to intermediate frame 864 so that a proximal end of footsection 828 is raised and a distal end of foot section 828 lowers. Thus,foot section 828 is movable relative to seat section 826 to maintain asubstantially horizontal or other position, as shown in FIG. 81, whenlink 1052 is in the locked position and a tilted or other position, asshown in FIG. 81, relative to intermediate frame 864 when link 1052 isin the unlocked position.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, otherconfigurations of linkage systems are provided to facilitate two modesof tilting the foot or other section of the deck relative to anothersection of the deck during movement of another section of the deckrelative to the upper or other frame member. Such linkage systemsinclude additional links, hinges, cables, brackets, flanges, or othermembers known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Deck 814 is configured to support mattress 813. As shown in FIG. 82,sections 824, 826, 828 include angled side surfaces or walls 1058similar to angled side walls 358 of deck 14. Head and seat sections 824,826 of deck 814 include horizontal flanges 1060, 1062 coupled torespective angled side walls 1058.

Head and seat sections 824, 826 of deck 14 have flexible floors orbottoms that flex due to a patient's weight to provide additionalcompliance to bed 10 that would otherwise require additional foam inmattress 813. Each section 824, 826 includes a flexible panel 1064coupled to horizontal flanges 1060, 1062 by fasteners 1066 as shown inFIGS. 82 and 83. Each fastener 1066 extends through a slot 1067 similarto slot 424 shown in FIG. 44. As weight is placed on flexible panels1064, they bend downwardly and the outer edges of flexible panels 1064are pulled inwardly. This movement permits panels 1064 to deflectapproximately 2 inches. Flexible panels 1064 are made of compressionmolded glass mesh bonded by a hard thermoset resin. The preferredflexible panel is provided by Premix. According to alternativeembodiments, flexible panels made of other materials are provided.

Flexible panel 1064 is radiolucent to facilitate taking X-rays of apatient lying in hospital bed 810. Furthermore, flexible panel 1064 hasa substantially smooth wipeable surface 1065 to facilitate wiping orcleaning of deck 814. Thus, a smooth, flexible, and radiolucent deck isprovided that permits X-raying a patient positioned in hospital bed 810and is also relatively easy to clean. According to alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure, the panel is rigid, rough, ornon-radiolucent.

As shown in FIGS. 82 and 83, deck 814 includes a spill guard 1180positioned between head and seat sections 824, 826. Spill guard 1180 isconfigured to capture bodily or other fluids that collect on head orseat sections 826, 824. During tilting of these sections 824, 826, thesefluids run down panels 1064 and collect on spill guard 1180 to preventcontamination of bed components positioned thereunder.

Spill guard 1180 is made of a rubber material and includes a U-shapedbody 1182 and a pair of rod-receiving sleeves 1184 coupled thereto asshown in FIG. 83. A pair of rods 1186 extend through sleeves 1186 andcoupled to supports 1188 coupled to sidewalls 1058. A pair a ties 1190are also provided to couple sleeves 1184 to respective panels 1064 asshown in FIG. 82.

Foot section 828 of deck 814 is extendable and retractable as shown inFIGS. 89 and 90 to move between first and second positions having firstand second lengths 829, 831. A full description of foot section 828 isdisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/120,125, filed Jul. 22,1998, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by referenceherein. According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosureother configurations of decks known to those of ordinary skill in theart are provided.

As shown in FIG. 88, hospital bed 810 includes multi-component mattress813. Mattress 813 is similar to mattress 13 shown in FIGS. 40-42 exceptthat foot section or portion 1068 includes a heel-pressure reliefportion 1070. As shown in FIGS. 89-91, foot section 1068 includes anadjustable length or retractable foam portion 1072 having upwardly anddownwardly facing surfaces 1075, 1077 including a plurality oflongitudinally alternating transverse slots 1074 and a foam end portion1076 coupled to the foot end of expandable portion 1072. As foot section828 of deck 814 extends, each of the transverse slots 1074 widens tocompensate for the extension. As foot section 828 retracts, slots 1074narrow.

End portion 1076 is formed to include a cavity 1078 sized to receivecylindrical heel-pressure relief portion 1070. Preferably, heel-pressurerelief portion 1070 includes an air bladder 1059 positioned in cavity1078. An air supply 1080 including a valve 1082 is coupled to bladder1059. According the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, airsupply 1080 is a compressor. According to alternative embodiments of thepresent disclosure, the air supply is a blower or other air supply knownto those of ordinary skill in the art.

Heel-pressure relief portion 1070 is configured to relieve pressureunder the heel of patient positioned on mattress 813. For example,during use, a patient's heel is positioned over portion 1070 as shown inFIGS. 89 and 90. Pressure-control valve 1082 is then moved from a firstposition to a second position to activate lowering of the pressure inbladder 1059 so that the patient's heel lowers until the patient'scalves support more of the weight of the patient's lower legs. Thistransfer lowers the amount of pressure placed on the patient's heels tolower the potential for bed sores developing on the patient's heels.When heel-pressure relief is no longer required, valve 1082 is movedback to the first position to increase the pressure in bladder 1059 andraise the patient's heels to the normal position.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, otherconfigurations of heel-pressure relief portions are provided. Forexample, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, asubstantially rectangular air bladder is provided. According to anotherembodiment, the cavity is left empty to provide a recess for theheel-pressure relief portions. According to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure, a foam member is provided in the cavity that has alower ILD than the adjustable length foam portion to provide relief forthe patient's heels.

As previously mentioned, foot section 828 of deck 814 is has anadjustable length so that it can be moved from a first position having afirst length 1071 (as shown in FIG. 89) to a second position having asecond length 1073 (as shown in FIG. 90). Preferably, the length of footsection 828 is adjusted depending upon the height of the patientpositioned on mattress 813 so that the patient's foot is positionedadjacent to footboard 818. For example, as shown in FIG. 89, footsection 828 is extended to position the heels of a tall patient adjacentto footboard 818. Foot section 828 is retracted to position the heels ofa shorter patient adjacent to footboard 818 as shown in FIG. 90. Thus,foot portion 1068 can be moved relative to the other portions ofmattress 813 to position portion 1070 under the patient's heels.

Because the patient's heel is positioned adjacent to footboard 818, thepatients heel is also positioned above heel-pressure relief portion 1070to provide heel-pressure relief, if necessary. Thus, according to thepresent disclosure, a heel-pressure relief portion is provided that canbe moved under the patient's heel to provided heel-pressure relief.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, thelength of foot section 828 and foot portion 1068 of mattress 813corresponds to the position of head section 824 and the head portion ofmattress 813. For example, if head section 824 is raised to the titledposition as shown in FIG. 115, foot section 828 of deck 814automatically extends by a distance 1079. If head section 824 islowered, foot section 828 is automatically retracted to it'spre-extended position. By corresponding the extension and retraction offoot portion 1068 of mattress 813 with the movement of head section 824of deck 814, the patient's foot is maintained above heel-pressure reliefportion 1070. Furthermore, if footboard 818 is used as a foot prop, thepatient's foot is maintained at a steady distance relative to footboard818 during raising and lowering of head section 824.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure,distance 1079 is approximately 4.0 inches (10.16 centimeters) for allpatients regardless of their height or weight. According to alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure, the foot section is extended bymore or less than this distance depending on specifics, such as heightor weight, of a particular patient.

A controller 1081 is provided that corresponds the movement of the footsection 828 with movement of head section 824. When a patient orcaregiver activates controller 1081 to raise head section 824,controller 1081 simultaneously moves foot section 826 to the extendedposition shown in FIG. 115 and raises head section 828 to the positionshown in FIG. 115. When a patient or caregiver activates controller 1081to lower head section 824, controller 1081 simultaneously lowers headsection 824 and retracts foot section 828. According to alternativeembodiments, correspondence of the movement of the foot section followsor proceeds movement of the head section.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure,controller 1081 is electrical and controls extension of actuators(electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.) associated with the head and footsections. According to an alternative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the controller is mechanical and includes components such aslinks, cables, belts, or other components known to those of ordinaryskill in the art for coordinating movement of components relative to oneanother.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure,controller 1081 includes a head section sensor 1083 configured to detectthe position of head section 824 and a foot section sensor 1089configured to detect the position of foot section 828. Controller 1081uses the position information provided by sensors 1083, 1089 todetermine when foot section 828 has moved far enough in response tomovement of head section 824.

When foot section 828 is initially adjusted to position heel-pressurerelief portion 1070 under the patient's heels, controller 1081 storesthe positions of foot section 828 and head section 824 as detected bysensors 1083, 1089 as initial head and foot sections reference points.When head section 824 is raised or lowered, controller 1081 determinesthe degree of movement of head section 824 from the initial head sectionreference point and moves foot section 828 a proportional amount fromthe foot section reference point. When head section 824 is raised orlowered again, controller again determines the degree of movement fromthe initial head section reference point and moves the foot section aproportional amount from the initial foot section reference point.According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, thesensors are potentiometers. According to alternative embodiments of thepresent disclosure, other sensors known to those of ordinary skill inthe art are provided.

Preferably, the degree of automatic extension of foot section 826 is afunction of the angle of head section 824. The further up head section824 is raised from the initial head section reference point, the morefoot section 826 is extended from the initial reference point so thatheel-pressure relief portion is continuously positioned under thepatient's heel throughout the range of motion of head section 824. Thefurther down head section 824 is lowered from the initial head sectionreference point, the more foot section 826 is retracted from the initialfoot section reference point so that heel-pressure relief portion 1070is continuously positioned under the patient's heel throughout the rangeof motion of head section 824.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, otherconfigurations of adjustable length portions of the foot portion of themattress are provided with or without heel-pressure relief bladders,such as other configurations include combinations of foam, air bladders,fluidized bladders, or other configurations of mattress portions knownto those of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 85-87, propulsion device 858 is provided toassist caregivers in moving bed 810 about a care facility. Propulsiondevice 828 includes stationary frame 1084 coupled to base frame 860 ofbed frame 812 and a U-shaped rotatable frame 1086 rotatably coupled tostationary frame 1084 by shaft 1085. Stationary frame 1084 includes apair of spaced apart plates 1088, 1090 and a pivot rod 1092 extendingbetween plates 1088, 1090 as shown in FIG. 85.

Propulsion device 858 further includes a pair of motors 1094, 1096coupled to U-shaped frame 1086 by a pair of gear boxes 1098, 1110 and awheel 1112 rotatably coupled to U-shaped frame 1086 by a shaft 1114 asshown in FIG. 86. Gear boxes 1098, 1110 are coupled to shaft 1114 totransmit power thereto from motors 1094, 1096.

As shown in FIG. 86, when propulsion device 858 is not in use, wheel1112 is spaced apart from floor 1116. Propulsion device 858 includes anactuator 1118 coupled to pivot rod 1092 and gear boxes 1098, 1110 byanother pivot rod 1120. To move wheel 1112 into contact with floor 1116,actuator 1118 is extended, as shown in FIG. 87, to rotate gear boxes1098, 1110, U-shaped frame 1086, and wheel 1112 in direction 1122 aboutshaft 1085. Once wheel 1112 is in contact with floor 1116, motors 1094,1096 are activated to drive wheel 1112 through gear boxes 1098, 1110.

After the caregiver has positioned bed 810 in its desired location,wheel 1112 is raised by retracting actuator 1118. As shown in FIG. 85,propulsion device 858 further includes an extension spring 1124 coupledto U-shaped frame 1086 and stationary frame 1084. When wheel 1112 islowered, spring 1124 is extended to add tension. This tension assistsactuator 1118 in raising wheel 1112.

As shown in FIG. 62, control buttons 856 includes an a set of buttons1111, 1113, 1115, 1117 configured to control operation of propulsiondevice 858. Button 1111 is an on/off button configured to enable anddisable propulsion device 858. When button 1111 is moved to an onposition, actuator 1118 is extended to lower wheel 1112. When button1111 is moved to an off position, actuator 1118 is retracted to raisewheel 1112. Button 1113 is a forward/reverse button that controls thedirection in which wheel 1112 rotates. When button 1113 is moved to aforward position, wheel 1112 is enabled to rotate in a direction pushingbed 810 in a first or forward direction. When button 1113 is moved to areverse position, wheel 1112 is enabled to rotate in a direction pushingbed 810 in a second or reverse direction.

Button 1115 is a speed control button configured to regulate the speedof rotation of wheel 1112. When button 1115 is in a hi-speed position,wheel 1112 is enabled to rotate a first or high speed. When button 1115is in a low-speed position, wheel 1112 is enabled to rotate a second orlow speed. According to an alternative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the speed control button is configured to have an infinitenumber of settings to provide infinite variability in the wheelsoperating speed.

Button 1117 is a go/no-go button that activates and deactivates rotationof wheel 1112. When button 1117 is moved to a go position, power isapplied to motors 1094, 1096 and wheel 1112 rotates at the designatedspeed and in the designated direction. When button 1117 is moved to ano-go position, power is cut from motors 1094, 1096. If button 1111 isnot moved to the on position, power will not be applied to motors 1094,1096 regardless of the position of button 1117.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, wiresare provided that extend through headboard 816 from buttons 1111, 1113,1115, 1117 to propulsion device 858. At a lower end of headboard 816,connectors (not shown) are provided on the wires to aid coupling anduncoupling of headboard 816 to frame 812. The connectors provide acoupling between portions of the wires in headboard 816 and theremainder of the wires positioned on frame 812 to facilitate quickuncoupling and re-coupling of these wires when headboard 816 isuncoupled and coupled to frame 812. Additional description of suitableconnectors is provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/264,174,titled Patient Position Detection Apparatus For a Bed, filed Mar. 5,1999, to Dixon et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporatedby reference herein.

As shown in FIG. 92, another hospital bed 1210 is provided including aframe 1212 positioned on the floor, a deck 1214 coupled to frame 1212, amattress 1230 positioned on deck 1214, a headboard 1216 coupled to frame1212, a footboard 1218 coupled to deck 1214, a pair of head endsiderails 1220 coupled to deck 1214, and a pair of foot end siderails1234 coupled to frame 1212. Frame 1212 is configured to raise and lowerdeck 1214 relative to the floor and to move deck 1214 to theTrendelenburg position and the Reverse Trendelenburg position.

As shown in FIG. 92, frame 1212 includes a rectangular base frame 1232,an upper frame member or intermediate frame 1252, a linkage system 1254coupled to intermediate and base frames 1252, 1232 to permit relativemotion therebetween, and a rectangular weigh frame 1248 coupled tointermediate frame. Bed 1210 further includes a plurality of wheels orcasters 1250 coupled to base frame 1232 to permit hospital bed 1210 tobe rolled about a care facility and an actuator system 1256 providingpower to actuate linkage system 1254 and move intermediate frame 1252and weigh frame 1248 relative to base frame 1232.

Hospital bed 1210 further includes a caster braking system substantiallysimilar to caster braking system 868 of hospital bed 810. The casterbraking system includes a pair of caster-brake links 1251 extendingthrough hollow base frame 1232. The caster braking system interconnectseach caster 1250 to provide simultaneous braking of casters 1250. Tosimultaneously brake casters 1250, the caregiver steps on one of footbrake pedals 1263 and the caster braking system locks casters 1250against rolling.

Linkage system 1254 includes a pair of head links 1258 pivotably coupledto a head end 1244 of base frame 1232 and slidably coupled tointermediate frame 1252, a pair of head end guide links 1236 pivotablycoupled to respective head links 1258 and pivotably coupled tointermediate frame 1252 at a fixed pivot point, a pair of foot links1260 slidably coupled to base frame 1232 and slidably coupled tointermediate frame 1252, and a pair of foot end guide links 1262pivotably coupled to respective foot links 1260 and pivotably coupled tointermediate frame 1252 at a fixed pivot point.

As shown in FIGS. 94 and 95, linkage system 1254 further includesrollers 1238 that ride on intermediate frame 1252 and pins 1261 couplingrollers 1238 to head and foot links 1258,1260 to rotatably couplerollers 1238 to the upper ends of head and foot links 1258, 1260.Intermediate frame 1252 includes a pair of channel members 1268 sized toreceive rollers 1238 to permit sliding of head and foot links 1258, 1260along intermediate frame 1252 during raising and lowering ofintermediate frame 1252 relative to base frame 1230.

Linkage system 1254 also includes a plate 1239 including a slot 1241sized to receive a pin 1243 coupled to respective lower ends of foot endlinks 1260 as shown in FIG. 95. Pins 1243 slide in slots 1241 duringmovement of intermediate frame 1252 relative to base frame 1232 toprovide an extra degree of freedom to help prevent binding of linkagesystem 1254.

Head end guide links 1236 restrict the motion of head links 1258 suchthat the pivot point between head links 1258 and intermediate frame 1252is restrained to move vertically without moving horizontally. Thisrestriction prevents horizontal movement of intermediate frame 1252relative to base frame 1232 during raising and lowering of intermediateframe 1252. This restrained movement prevents intermediate frame 1252from moving through an arch while moving between the upper and lowerpositions so that intermediate frame 1252 can be raised and loweredwithout requiring additional hospital room for clearance. Similarly,foot end guide links 1262 restrict the motion of foot links 1260 suchthat the pivot point between foot links 1260 and intermediate frame 1252is restrained to move vertically without moving horizontally. Additionaldescription of a similar motion can be found above for frame 12 of bed10.

Actuator system 1256 provides the force and power necessary to raise andlower intermediate frame 1252. Actuator system 1256 includes a head linkactuator 1264 coupled to head links 1258 and intermediate frame 1252 anda foot link actuator 1266 coupled to foot links 1260 and intermediateframe 1252. Actuator 1264 is coupled to head links 1258 through anextension link 1275 that is rigidly coupled to a cross strut 1259 whichextends between and is rigidly coupled to each of head links 1258.

Similarly, actuator 1266 is coupled to foot links 1260 through anextension link 1277 that is rigidly coupled to a cross strut 1257 whichextends between and which is rigidly coupled to each of foot links 1260.Cross struts 1259, 1257 coordinate the simultaneous movement ofrespective head and foot links 1258, 1260.

Pins 1261 are provided to pivotably couple actuators 1264, 1266 toextension links 1275, 1277. Rollers 1238 are also coupled to pins 1261to guide movement of extension links 1275, 1277 and cross struts 1259,1257 and head and foot links 1258, 1260 during actuation of actuators1264, 1266.

Actuators 1264, 1266 have expandable lengths to adjust the angularposition of head and foot links 1258, 1260 relative to intermediateframe 1252 so that head and foot ends 1253, 1255 of intermediate frame1252 can be raised or lowered. Each of actuators 1264, 1266 ispreferably an electric linear actuator having respective cylinder bodies1267, cylinder rods 1269, and motors 1271 that operate to extend andretract cylinder rods 1269 relative to cylinder bodies 1267 from a fullyextended position to a fully retracted position and an infinite numberof positions therebetween. Cylinder rods 1269 are each pivotably coupledto respective extension links 1275, 1277 by pins 1261 and motors 1271are each pivotably coupled to struts 1322, 1324 included in intermediateframe 1252 as shown, for example, in FIG. 94.

Each motor 1271 is electrically coupled to an electric power source 1281coupled to base frame 1232. Power source 1281 includes a battery (notshown) and a plug (not shown). When bed 1210 is positioned in a locationnear a wall outlet, the plug is plugged into the wall outlet to providepower from operating motors 1271 and the other functions of bed 1210 andfor recharging the batteries. When power source 1281 is unplugged fromthe wall outlet, the batteries provide the necessary operating power forbed 1210.

Actuators 1264, 1266 are available from LINAK U.S. Inc. of Louisville,Ky. Each actuator 1264 includes a power screw (not shown) thattranslates the rotational motion and power of motors 1271 into thelinear motion and power of cylinder rods 1269. A screw nut (not shown)is provided that is coupled to cylinder rod 1269. The screw nut engagesthe power screw positioned in cylinder body 1267. Motor 1271 turns thepower screw in one direction to push the screw nut away from motor 1271and extend cylinder rod 1269 and turns the power screw in an oppositedirection to pull the nut toward motor 1271 and retract cylinder rod1269. According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure,other configurations of actuators are provided such as pneumaticactuators with electrical or pneumatic controls, hydraulic actuatorswith electrical or hydraulic controls, motors with links, pulleys, orcables, or any other configurations of linear and non-linear actuatorsknown to those of ordinary skill in the art. When head and foot linkactuators 1264, 1266 are actuated simultaneously, such that eachactuator 1264, 1266 extends, intermediate frame 1252 raises away frombase frame 1232. When head and foot link actuators 1264, 1266 areactuated simultaneously, such that each actuator 1264, 1266 retracts,intermediate frame 1252 lowers toward base frame 1232. When bothactuators 1264, 1266 retract or extend at approximately the same rate,intermediate frame 1252 is maintained in a generally horizontalorientation and does not “swing” outwardly or inwardly relative to baseframe 1232.

When head link actuator 1264 is activated and foot link actuator 1266 ismaintained at a constant length, intermediate frame 1252 moves to theTrendelenburg position (not shown) similar to that shown for bed 10 inFIG. 5 so that head end 1253 of intermediate frame 1252 is lowered andfoot end 1255 of intermediate frame 1252 is slightly raised. When thefoot link actuator 1266 is activated and head link actuator 1264 ismaintained at a constant length, intermediate frame 1252 moves to theReverse Trendelenburg position so that foot end 1255 of intermediateframe 1252 lowers and head end 1253 of intermediate frame 1252 slightlyraises.

As shown in FIGS. 95 and 96, intermediate frame 1252 is lowered byactivating both head and foot link actuators 1264, 1266. As the lengthof foot link actuator 1266 decreases, the angle between foot links 1260and intermediate frame 1252 decreases and foot end 1255 of intermediateframe 1252 lowers. As the length of head link actuator 1264 decreases,the angle between head links 1258 and intermediate frame 1252 increasesand head end 1253 of intermediate frame 1252 lowers.

As the length of head and foot link actuators 1264, 1266 continues todecrease, intermediate frame 1252 continues to lower from the upperposition to a lower position as shown, for example, in FIG. 96. Becausehead and foot link actuators 1264, 1266 decrease their respectivelengths at substantially the same rate, intermediate frame 1252 remainssubstantially horizontal while moving from the upper position, shown inFIG. 95, to the lower position shown in FIG. 96. To position upper frame1252 back in the upper position, head and foot link actuators 1264, 1266are simultaneously lengthened until each actuator 1264, 1266 returns toits original length as shown in FIG. 95.

Linkage system 1254 and actuator system 1256 also cooperate to moveintermediate frame 1252 to the Trendelenburg position. To moveintermediate frame 1252 to the Trendelenburg position, head linkactuator 1264 decreases its length such that the angle betweenintermediate frame 1252 and head links 1258 increases. Head end 1253 ofintermediate frame 1252 lowers and the length of foot link actuator 1266remains substantially constant to provide a pivot point about whichintermediate frame 1252 rotates. As intermediate frame 1252 rotates,foot end 1255 of intermediate frame 1252 is slightly raised. Toreposition intermediate frame 1252 in the upper horizontal position, thelength of head link actuator 1264 is increased until it returns to itsprevious length.

Actuator system 1256 and linkage system 1254 also cooperate to positionintermediate frame 1252 in the Reverse Trendelenburg position as shownin FIG. 92. To move intermediate frame 1252 to the Reverse Trendelenburgposition, the length of foot link actuator 1266 is decreased so that theangle between foot links 1260 and intermediate frame 1252 is decreasedand foot end 1255 of intermediate frame 1252 lowers. The overall lengthof head link actuator 1264 remains substantially constant so thatintermediate frame 1252 pivots about head links 1258. As intermediateframe 1252 pivots, head end 1253 of intermediate frame 1252 is slightlyraised as foot end 1255 of intermediate frame 1252 lowers. To repositionintermediate frame 1252 in the upper horizontal position, the length offoot link actuator 1266 is increased until it returns to its previouslength.

As shown in FIG. 93, intermediate frame 1252 is surrounded byrectangular weigh frame 1248. Rectangular frame 1248 includes a pair ofspaced apart longitudinally extending members 1310, 1312 and a pair oftransversely extending members 1314, 1316 coupled to each longitudinallyextending member 1310, 1312.

Intermediate frame 1252 includes a pair of longitudinally extendingmembers 1318, 1320 and a pair of transversely extending members 1322,1324 coupled to each longitudinally extending member 1318. 1320. Loadcell members 1326, 1328, 1330, 1332 are coupled to each end ofrespective transversely extending member 1322, 1324 as shown in FIG. 93.A load cell 1334, 1336, 1338, 1340 is coupled to each respective loadcell member 1326, 1328, 1330, 1332. Transversely extending members 1314,1316 of weigh frame 1248 are supported by respective load cells 1334,1336, 1338, 1340 as shown in FIGS. 93 and 95.

The weight of weigh frame 1248 and anything supported by weigh frame1248, such as deck 1214, mattress 1230, and a patient, is transmitted toload cells 1334, 1336, 1338, 1340. This weight deflects or otherwisechanges a characteristic of load cells 1334, 1336, 1338, 1340 which isdetected to determine the total weight supported thereby. By subtractinga known weight of weigh frame 1248, deck 1214, mattress 1230 and anyother bed components supported on weigh frame 1248, the weight of thepatient positioned on bed 1210 can be determined. Additional descriptionof load cells and methods for determining a patient's weight, positionin the bed, and other indications provided by load cells is provided inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/669,707, filed Sep. 26, 2000, titledLoad Cell Apparatus, to Mobley et al., the disclosure of which isexpressly incorporated by reference herein. According to alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure, other configurations and methodsof using load cells or other devices to determine a patient's weight orother information related to the patient known to those of ordinaryskill in the art are provided.

As shown in FIG. 93, intermediate frame 1252 further includes members1342, 1344, 1346, 1348 coupled to load cell members 1326, 1328, 1330,1332 and plate members 1350, 1352, 1354, 1356 coupled to respectivetransverse members 1322, 1324 and respective members 1342, 1344, 1346,1348. As shown in FIG. 93, head and foot guide links 1236, 1262 arepivotably coupled to respective plate members 1350, 1352, 1354, 1356 toprovided the pivotable coupling between head and foot guide links 1236,1262 and intermediate frame 1252.

As shown in FIG. 94 longitudinally extending members 1318, 1320 ofintermediate frame 1252 include respective upper portions 1358, 1360,1362, 1364 coupled to the bottom sides of transversely extending members1322, 1324 and to the outer side of plate members 1350, 1352, 1354,1356, step portions 1366, 1368, 1370, 1372 coupled to respective upperportions 1358, 1360, 1362, 1364, and lower portions 1374, 1376 coupledto respective step portions 1366, 1368, 1370, 1372. As shown in FIG. 94,lower portions 1374, 1376 of longitudinally extending members 1318, 1320are positioned at a lower elevation than longitudinally extendingmembers 1310, 1312 of weigh frame 1248.

Intermediate frame 1252 further includes a transversely extending strut1378 extending between lower portions 1374, 1376 and a yoke 1380positioned over cylinder bodies 1269 of actuators 1264, 1266. Yoke 1380is coupled to transversely extending strut 1378 by a fastener 1382 tosandwich cylinder bodies 1269 of actuators 1264, 1266 therebetween.

Intermediate frame 1252 also includes members 1384, 1386 coupled totransversely extending members 1322, 1324 and channel members 1268 asshown in FIG. 94. Channels 1268 are coupled to bottom side of members1384, 1386 and to upper sides of transversely extending strut 1378 sothat channel members 1268 are positioned at a lower elevation thanlongitudinally extending members 1310, 1312 of weigh frame 1248.

Motor 1271 of actuator 1264 is coupled to transversely extending member1322 and motor 1271 of actuator 1266 is coupled to transverselyextending member 1324 as shown in FIG. 93. As shown in FIG. 95,actuators 1264, 1266 are positioned below the elevation of the uppersurface of weigh frame 1248.

As shown in FIG. 96, portions of intermediate frame 1252 nest withinbase frame 1232 when intermediate frame is in its lower-most position.As shown in FIG. 93, longitudinally-extending members 1318, 1320 ofintermediate frame 1252 define an outer width 1311 that is less than aninner width 1313 between longitudinally extending members 1315, 1317 ofbase frame 1232. Weigh frame 1248 has an outer width 1319 defined bylongitudinally extending members 1310, 1312 that is substantially equalto an outer width 1321 of base frame 1232. Because lower portions 1374,1376 of longitudinally-extending members 1318, 1320 extend below weighframe 1248 and are closer together than longitudinally extending members1315, 1317 of base frame 1248, lower portions 1374, 1376 of intermediateframe 1252 are positioned within base frame 1248 when in the lower-mostposition.

Bed 1210 further includes a control system configured to controlactuators 1264, 1266 and other various components and functions of bed1210. As shown in FIG. 97, the control system includes a controller 1412that is removably received by foot end siderail 1234 so that it can beremoved from one of foot end siderails 1234 and coupled to the otherfoot end siderail 1234 to control various functions of bed 1210.Controller 1412 is configured to control the raising and lowering ofdeck 1214 and to control movement of various portions or sections ofdeck 1214. Controller 1412 is also configured to receive informationfrom a caregiver related to a patient and to send and receive patient orbed-related data to a central computer for storage, tracking, andanalysis.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, thecontroller is configured to control other features of the bed such asfeatures of the mattress. Additional description of suitable electronicsand other features of a controller is provided in U.S. Pat. No.5,715,548, titled Chair Bed, filed Aug. 4, 1995; U.S. Pat. No.6,008,598, titled Hand-Held Controller For Bed and Mattress Assembly,filed Apr. 22, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,868, titled Hospital BedCommunication and Control Device, filed Jan. 1, 1997; and U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/202,284, titled Remote Control for aHospital Bed, filed May 5, 2000, the disclosures of which are expresslyincorporated by reference herein.

As shown in FIG. 97, bed 1210 includes a removable controller mount 1414configured to removable couple controller 1412 to one of foot endsiderails 1234. Bed 1210 further includes a removable cover 1415configured to mount to the other foot end siderail 1234 as shown in FIG.99. Removable controller mount 1414 with controller 1412 and removablecover 1415 are exchangeable. For example, to move controller 1412 fromone side of bed 1210 to the other, removable controller mount 1414 withcontroller 1412 and cover 1415 are uncoupled from their respective footend siderail 1234, switched between the opposite foot end siderails1234, and re-coupled to opposite foot end siderail 1234 to complete theexchange. Thus, if the orientation of bed 1210 in a hospital or otherroom does not provide access to controller 1412, controller 1412 can beexchanged from one side of bed 1210 to the other to provide such access.

Controller 1412 includes a housing 1416, a plurality of control buttons1418, an LED display 1419, and a rod 1420 coupling housing 1416 tocontroller mount 1414. Controller mount 1412 includes a pocket 1422configured to receive controller 1412 as shown in FIGS. 97 and 98.According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, thedisplay is an LCD, plasma, or other display known to those of ordinaryskill in the art.

Rod 1420 pivotably couples housing 1416 to controller mount 1414. Thiscoupling permits a user to see control buttons 1418 better by titling alower edge 1424 of housing 1416 upward. According to alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure, other configurations of couplersbetween the housing and the controller mount are provided. For example,hooks, hook-and-loop type fasteners, snaps, a detachable hinge, or otherdevices known to those of ordinary skill in the art are provided topivotably or otherwise couple the controller to the siderail.

Housing 1416 has a width that is less than a width of pocket 1422 sothat when controller 1412 is positioned in pocket 1422, controller 1412and surfaces 1430, 1432 cooperate to define hand holes 1434, 1436 asshown in FIG. 97. To tilt controller 1412, a caregiver inserts either oftheir hands or fingers into one of hand holes 1434, 1436 to graspcontroller 1412. Having grasped controller 1412, the caregiver can thentilt controller 1412 upward.

Each foot end siderail 1234 includes a pocket 1438 sized to receive body1142 of controller mount 1414 as shown in FIG. 97. Removable controllermount 1414 includes a perimeter flange 1440 and a body 1442 definingpocket 1422. Foot end siderail 1234 includes an edge or shoulder 1444 onwhich perimeter flange 1440 rests when controller mount 1414 is coupledto the respective foot end siderail 1234 so that an outer surface 1417of siderail 1234 is flush with an outer surface 1421 of perimeter flange1440.

As shown in FIG. 98, body 1422 includes a top wall 1423, a bottom wall1425 spaced apart from top wall 1423, a pair of side walls 1427, 1429extending between top and bottom walls 1423, 1425, and a back wall 1431coupled to top, bottom, and side walls 1423, 1425, 1427, 1429. Top,bottom, side, bottom, and back walls 1423, 1425, 1427, 1429, 1431cooperated to define pocket 1422. Perimeter flange 1440 is coupled totop, bottom, and side walls 1423, 1425, 1427, 1429.

Body 1442 and flange 1440 of controller mount 1414 and panel 1415 areconfigured to mount on either of the two foot end siderails 1234 so thatcontroller 1412 can be initially mounted on one of foot end siderails1234 and later moved to the other foot end siderail 1234 as discussedabove. For example, flange 1440 and panel 1415 are symmetric about avertical axis so that they can fit on either edge 1444 of foot endsiderails 1234. When panel 1415 is coupled to the respective foot endsiderail 1234 outer surface 1417 of siderail 1234 is flush with an outersurface 1433 of panel 1415 as shown in FIG. 100.

As shown in FIG. 100, siderail 1234 includes a top wall 1435, a bottomwall 1437 spaced apart from top wall 1435, a pair of side walls 1439,1441 extending between top and bottom walls 1435, 1437, and a back wall1443 coupled to top, bottom, and side walls 1435, 1437, 1439, 1441. Top,bottom, side, bottom, and back walls 1435, 1437, 1439, 1441, 1443cooperated to define pocket 1438. Edge 1444 is positioned adjacent totop, bottom, and side walls 1435, 1437, 1439, 1441.

As shown in FIGS. 98 and 100, each foot end siderail 1234 furtherincludes a pair of threaded fastener-receiving apertures 1448 configuredto receive fasteners 1450 that extend through fastener-receivingapertures 1452 in back wall of 1431 of body 1442 of controller mount1414 to removably couple controller mount 1414 to the respective footend siderail 1234. Removable cover 1415 also includes counter-sunkfastener-receiving apertures 1458 configured to receive fasteners 1460that extending into fastener-receiving apertures 1448 to removablycouple cover 1415 to either foot end siderail 1234. According toalternative embodiments of the present disclosure, other configurationsof fasteners are provided to removably or otherwise couple thecontroller mount to the siderail, such as snaps, tabs, latches, hooks,hook-and-loop type fasteners, screws, bolts, rivets, adhesives, or otherconfigurations of couplings known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Controller 1412 and each siderail 1234 are configured to facilitateelectrical coupling and uncoupling of controller 1412 from eithersiderail 1234. Each foot end siderail 1234 includes an electricalcoupler 1454 and controller 1412 also includes a complementaryelectrical coupler 1456 configured to coupled to either respectivecoupler 1454 of foot end siderails 1234. Electrical coupler 1454 ispositioned in a space 1445 defined between top wall 1423 of controllermount 1414 and top wall 1435 of siderail 1234 when controller 1412 iscoupled to the respective siderail 1234

Electrical coupler 1454 is preferably a male plug connector thatincludes a body and a plurality of plugs. Each plug corresponds to oneof a plurality of wires 1466 that extend through foot end siderail 1234to a central controller or processor and various electrical componentsof bed 1210. Similarly, electrical coupler 1456 is preferably a femaleplug connector that includes a body and a plurality of socketscorresponding to one of a plurality of wires 1472 extending to andthrough controller housing 1416 to a circuit board 1474 configured toreceive commands from buttons 1418 and to output data to display 1419.Each socket of coupler 1456 is sized to receive a corresponding plug ofcoupler 1454 to provide electrical coupling between wires 1466 ofrespective siderails 1234 and wires 1472 of controller 1412. Preferably,electrical couplers 1454, 1456 are indexed to insure correct orientationof the corresponding plugs and sockets.

To move controller 1412 from one foot end siderail 1234 to the other,controller 1412 is pivoted up to provide access to fasteners 1450.Fasteners 1450 are then removed to uncouple controller mount 1414 andthus controller 1412 from foot end siderail 1234. Electrical coupler1456 of controller 1412 is uncoupled from electrical coupler 1454 ofsiderail 1234 so that controller 1412 is electrically uncoupled fromsiderail 1234. Similarly, fasteners 1460 are removed from the other footend siderail 1234 to uncouple cover 1415 therefrom.

Controller mount 1414 and controller 1412 and cover 1415 are then movedto the opposite siderail 1234. Electrical coupler 1454 is then coupledto electrical coupler 1456 of the respective siderail 1234 and fasteners1450 are threaded into fastener-receiving apertures 1448 to couplecontroller mount 1414 and controller 1412 to siderail 1234. Similarly,fasteners 1460 are threaded into fastener-receiving apertures 1448 ofrespective siderail 1234 to couple cover 1415 to siderail 1234.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, thecontroller mounts and controllers are configured to couple to otherbarriers on the bed such as the head end siderails, headboard, orfootboard. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure,multiple controller mounts with controllers are provided on each bed.

Controller 1412 further includes an interface panel 3020, illustrated inFIG. 101. Interface panel 3020 includes a plurality of membrane inputcontrol buttons 1418 and a plurality of status indicators 3000 which areelectrically coupled to circuit board 1474, allowing controller 1412 tobe used by persons outside bed 1210 to control the operation of variousfeatures of bed 1210, including articulation of deck 1214, operation ofthe patient weighing function, enablement of a patient positionmonitoring system, lockout of a corded patient pendant controller 1476,sending a nurse call signal, and/or lockout of entertainment devices,such as television, radio, or the like. In a preferred embodiment,status indicators 3000 are an LED's electrically coupled to interfacepanel 3020. According to alternative embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other functions of the bed or remote equipment arecontrolled by the controller.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, some ofbuttons 1418 are only operable after a key control button 3070 is firstpressed. This helps prevent the accidental activation and deactivationof certain functions of bed 1210.

As shown in FIG. 101, patient position monitor buttons 3090, 3092, 3094are provided that are only operable after key control button 3070 isfirst pressed. If a caregiver or patient presses any of buttons 3090,3092, 3094 without first pressing key control button 3070, buttons 3090,3092, 3094 will not respond to being pressed. According to alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure, other buttons are also onlyoperable after pressing the key control button.

Patient monitoring buttons 3090, 3092, 3094 control activation ofpatient position monitoring system, which notifies a caregiver when thepatient changes position relative to bed 1210. When one of buttons 3090,3092, 3094 is selected, the other respective buttons 3090, 3092, 3094are automatically deselected.

Button 3094 controls activation of the position monitoring system todetect an “exit” condition when the patient has exited bed 1210. Whenbutton 3094 is pressed to activate monitoring of the exit condition, therespective indicator 3000 adjacent to button 3094 lights up. Otherwisethe respective indicator 3000 adjacent to button 3094 is off. If theexit condition is detected, visual and audible alarms will activatenotifying the caregiver that the patient has exited bed 1210.

Button 3092 controls activation of the position monitoring system todetect a “pre-exit” condition when the patient is bearing weightprimarily on an edge of bed 1210, such as when the patient is sitting onthe edge of bed 1210. When button 3092 is pressed to activate monitoringof the pre-exit condition, the respective indicator 3000 adjacent tobutton 3092 lights up. Otherwise the respective indicator 2000 adjacentto button 3092 is off. If the pre-exit condition is detected, the visualand audible alarms will activate notifying the caregiver that thepatient has moved to the edge of bed 1210. Furthermore, the alarms willalso activate if the exit condition is detected.

Button 3090 controls activation of the position monitoring system todetect a “patient up” condition when the patient's torso moves frombeing positioned over head section 1487 of deck 1226 to being positionedover another section of deck 1226. When button 3090 is pressed toactivate monitoring of the patient up condition, the respectiveindicator 3000 adjacent to button 3090 lights up. Otherwise therespective indicator 3000 adjacent to button 3090 is off. If the patientup condition is detected, the visual and audible alarms will activatenotifying the caregiver that the patient has moved to the up position.Furthermore, the alarms will also activate if the pre-exit and exitconditions are detected.

To turn any of the three patient position detection functions on or off,key control button 3070 must first be pressed. Once key control button3070 is pressed, the caregiver has a predetermined time period in whichto press the respective button 3090, 3092, 3094 to turn on or off therespective patient position monitoring function or to selection anotherpatient position monitoring function. If the caregiver fails to turn aparticular patient position monitoring function on or off or fails toselect another patient position monitoring function within thepredetermined time period, pressing buttons 3090, 3092, 3094 will haveno effect and key control button 3070 must be pressed again. If thecaregiver presses one of button 3090, 3092, 3094 within thepredetermined time period, that respective button will toggle from on tooff or off to on and the respective indicators 3000 lights up or turnoff accordingly. According to the preferred embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the predetermined time period is 10 seconds.

Alarm control buttons 3096, 3100 and volume indicator 3098 are providedto a caregiver to control the volume of the audible alarm that soundswhen the patient monitoring system detects one of the above-mentionedconditions. Alarm button 3096 controls the volume of the alarm. Volumeindicator 3098 comprises a plurality of LED's that are lit according tothe selected volume level, i.e., the higher the volume selected, themore LED's that are lit. If a user wants to turn the volume up, alarmbutton 3096 is pressed repeatedly until the desired volume is reached.To lower the volume, alarm button 3096 is pressed repeatedly until thepeak volume is reached. After the peak volume is reached, continuedpressing on alarm button 3096 will gradually reduce the volume of thealarm until the lowest volume is reached. After the lowest volume isreached, continued pressing on alarm button 3096 will gradually increasethe volume. Alarm control button 3100 turns the audible alarm off.

Inflation system buttons 3200, 3202, 3204, 3206, 3208 are provided thatcontrol the function of the air pressure inflation system. On/off button3200 turns the inflation system on or off. Maximum inflation button 3202inflates the mattress zones to a predefined air pressure level tofacilitate administration of CPR. Heel zone buttons 3204, 3206, 3208enable inflation or deflation of the air bladders corresponding to thedifferent heel zones of mattress 1230 for heel-pressure relief. When oneof heel zone buttons 3204, 3206, 3208 is selected, a corresponding heelpressure relief bladder is deflated to provide heel-pressure relief.When the respective button 3204, 3206, 3208 is deselected, the pressurein the corresponding heel pressure relief bladder is inflated to isnormal operating pressure. The respective indicators 2000 adjacent eachbutton 3204, 3206, 3208 indicate which heel pressure relief bladder iscurrent deflated.

Foot extend and retract buttons 3210, 3220 cause foot section 1590 toextend and retract which permits the position of footboard 1218 of bed1210 to be adjusted relative to the position of the patient's foot. Toextend foot section 1590, extend button 3210 is pressed until thedesired position of footboard 1218 is reached. To retract foot section1590, retract button 3220 is pressed until the desired position isreached.

Chair buttons 3226, 3228 are provided to control adjustment of theposition of deck 1226 between the chair and bed positions. To move bed1210 toward the chair position, chair button 3226 is pressed until thedegree of the chair position is achieved. To move bed 1210 toward thebed position, chair button 3228 is pressed until the desired degree ofthe chair position is removed or until bed 1210 reaches the bedposition.

TV button 3224 enables and disables (locks out) control of thetelevision or other entertainment system. When nurse call button 3050 ispressed, a signal is sent to a nurse station or directly topredetermined caregivers that indicates that the patient needsattention.

Patient pendant button 3230 enables and disables (locks out) specificfeatures of corded patient pendent controller 1476. By pressing button3230, the control feature of controller 1476 that controls the head upand knee up functions are enabled and disabled. By pressing button 3230once, the head up control provided by controller 1476 is disabled andthe knee up control remains enabled. When the head up control of pendent1476 is disabled, the respective indicator 3000 adjacent to the text“HEAD” is lit. When button 3230 is pressed a second time, the knee upcontrol provided by controller 1476 is disabled and the head up controlis enabled. When the knee up function of pendent 1476 is disabled, therespective indicator 3000 adjacent the text “KNEE” is lit. When button3230 is pressed a third time, both the head up and knee up controlsprovided by controller 1476 are disabled. When the head up and knee upcontrols of pendent 1476 are disabled, both the respective indicatorsare lit. When button 3230 is pressed a fourth time, both the head up andknee up controls provided by controller 1476 are enabled and respectiveindicators are off. By enabling and disabling controller 1476 controls,a caregiver can prevent a patient having access to controller 1476 fromaccidentally articulating bed 1210 when such articulation may beundesirable.

Weigh system panel 3242 of interface panel 3020 includes a plurality ofbuttons and LED display 1419 which permit a caregiver to weigh thepatient using the patient weighing function. Weighing system panel 3242is enabled and disabled by on/off button 3232. Unit selection button3234 enables the caregiver to choose between pounds and kilograms as theunit of weight measurement. LED display 1419 displays the patient'sweight and selected unit of measurement.

Calibration button 3236, change item button 3238, add item button 3240,and subtract item button 3242 are provided to the caregiver to calibratethe system for weighing a patient. For example, before a patient isplaced on bed 1210, calibration button 3236 is pressed to set the weightreading to 000.0 lbs/kg so that the initial weight of mattress 1230,deck 1226, and any other bed component or piece of medical equipment isnegated from the weight reading. Thus, only the weight of the patient isindicated when the patient is on bed 1210.

If a bed component or piece of medical equipment is added to or removedfrom bed 1210 that may affect the weight reading, change item button3238, add item button 3240, and subtract item button 3242 are used totake the additional or subtracted weight into account. For example, if apiece of medical equipment, such as an IV pole, is added to bed 1210,change item button 3238 and add item button 3240 are pressed while thepiece of medical equipment is added and the additional weight detectedby the weigh system is subtracted from the measured weight so that theadditional weight of the IV pole is negated from the weight displayed ondisplay 1419. Similarly, if a piece of medical equipment is removed frombed 1210, change item button 3238 and subtract item button 3242 arepressed while the piece of medical equipment is removed and the removedweight detected by the weigh system is added to the measured weight sothat the loss of weight of the removed pieced of medical equipment isnegated from the weight displayed on display 1419.

Light LED indicator 3080, which relate to various bed status functions,such as motor power, bed not down, or service required, are alsoincluded on interface panel 3020. The respective indicator 3080 adjacentto the text “Motor Power Off” is lit when the power to actuators 1266,1268 is off. When the power to actuators 1266, 1268 is on, thisrespective indicator 3080 is off. The respective indicator 3080 adjacentto the text “Bed Not Down” is lit when intermediate frame 1252 is not inthe lowermost position. When intermediate frame 1252 is in the lowermostposition, this respective indicator 3080 is off. The respectiveindicator 3080 adjacent to the text “Service Required” is lit when bed1210 detects that a component needs serviced. If bed 1210 does notdetect that a component needs serviced, this respective indicator 3080is off.

As shown in FIG. 102, the control system further includes corded pendantcontroller 1476 similar to controller 986 of bed 810 that is configuredto removably and slidably couple to head and foot end siderails 1220,1234. Controller 1476 includes a housing 1478, a plurality of controlbuttons (not shown) for controlling various functions of bed 1210, and aspeaker and microphone (not shown) for facilitating communicationbetween a person positioned on bed 1210 and a caregiver, and a circuitboard 1486.

Controller 1476 is configured to slide in either opening 1488 of headend siderails 1220 or opening 1490 of foot end siderails 1234 between aninfinite number of positions similar to the movement shown in FIGS. 76and 78 for controller 986.

Because patients vary in size, one patient may find it more convenientto position controller 1476 in one of the many available positions oneither head or foot end siderails 1220, 1234 than another patient. Thus,various patients can position controller 1476 in any of the infinitenumber of positions on any of head or foot end siderails 1220, 1234depending on the preference of particular patient positioned on bed1210. Furthermore, a patient may decided to adjust the position ofcontroller 1476 if the configuration of deck 1214 is changed. Forexample, if a head portion or section 1487 of deck 1214 is raised, apatient may desire to reposition controller 1476 along the particularsiderail 1220, 1234 or remove controller 1476 and place it on anothersiderail 1220,1234.

As shown in FIG. 102, housing 1478 of controller 1476 includes a firststepped concave surface 1492 and a second curved concave surface 1494that complement convex surfaces 1496, 1498 of rail member 1506 of headend siderail 1220. Foot end siderail 1234 also includes convex surfaces1510, 1512 that are complemented by concave surfaces 1492, 1494. Asshown in FIG. 102, a substantial portion of controller 1476 ispositioned within rail member 1506 so that controller 1476 maintains arelatively low profile compared to an inner surface 1514 of rail member1506 when positioned in rail member 1506 to avoid interference withother components of bed 1210 or other pieces of medical equipment.According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, thecontroller is positioned further in the opening formed in the railmember so that little or none of the controller extends beyond an innersurface of the rail member.

The respective pairs of convex surfaces 1496, 1498, 1510, 1512 ofsiderails 1220, 1234 cooperate to define a top rail and a bottom railthat define a guide. Concave surfaces 1492, 1494 and retainer 1516cooperate to define a complementary formation configured to ride alongthe top and bottom rails/guide. According to alternative embodiments ofthe present disclosure, other configurations of rails and guides andcomplementary formations are provided such as raised rails, channels,slots, or other configurations of guides and complementary formationsknown to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Controller 1476 further includes a retainer 1516 configured to retaincontroller 1476 in either opening 1490, 1488 to permit sliding ofcontroller 1476 along siderails 1220, 1234 and to permit removal ofcontroller 1476 from openings 1490, 1488. When controller 1476 ispositioned in opening 1490 of foot end siderail 1234, retainer 1516 ispositioned adjacent to concave surface 1496 of housing 1478.

Retainer 1516 includes a spring-biased retainer or latch member 1518that extends through an aperture 1520 formed in housing 1478 so thatwhen a patient pulls on controller 1476 in direction 1522, retainermember 1518 is pushed inwardly so that a distal end 1524 of retainermember 1518 rides over the inner most portion of convex surface 1496 sothat retainer 1516 no longer retains controller 1476 in the respectivesiderail 1220, 1234.

To reposition controller 1476 back in siderails 1220, 1234, the patientpositions second concave surface 1494 adjacent to convex surface 1498 ofrail member 1506 of head end siderail 1220 so that a peaked tip 1495 ofhousing 1478 captures the respective rail member 1506. The lower end ofcontroller 1476 is pushed in direction 1526 so that retainer member 1518rides back over convex surface 1496. Peaked tip 1495 and retainer member1518 then define a width 1497 that is greater than a width 1499 ofopening 1488 so that controller 1476 is retained in either head endsiderail 1220. An identical procedure is followed for placing andremoving controller 1476 from opening 1490 in foot end siderails 1234.Furthermore, controller 1476 may also be coupled to rail member 1506through the opposite side of opening 1488. According to an alternativeembodiment of the present disclosure, the openings in the head and footend siderails do not extend completely through the siderails.

As shown in FIGS. 102 and 103, housing 1478 including a pair of mounts1520 on which retainer member 1518 is pivotably coupled. Housing 1478further includes a spring mount 1522 and retainer 1516 further includesa biaser or spring 1524 positioned between spring mount 1522 andretainer member 1518. Spring 1524 biases retainer member 1518 indirection 1527 toward convex surface 1496 as shown in FIG. 102.According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, otherbiasers are provided, such as torsion springs, the retainer member beingcantilevered and flexible, or other configurations of biasers known tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

Retainer member 1518 includes a body portion 1528 pivotably coupled tomount 1520, a ramp-shaped latch portion 1530 positioned to extendthrough aperture 1520 of housing 1478, and a pair of stops or tabs 1532as shown in FIG. 103. Ramp-shaped latch portion 1530 includes aninclined surface 1534 that rides over convex surface 1496. Tabs 1532have an outer width that is greater than a width of aperture 1520 toprevent retainer member 1518 from rotating further than shown in FIGS.102 and 103.

According to another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure,ball detent retainers are provided, such as those shown in FIG. 75, toremovably retain the controller in the head and foot end siderails.According to other alternative embodiments of the disclosure, otherretainers known to those of ordinary skill in the art are provided toretain the controller in the siderails such as tabs, clasps, catches,locks, other latches, clamps, pins, bolts, bars, hasp, hooks, or otherretainers known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 104, first and second concave surfaces 1492, 1494 areindexed to match convex surfaces 1496, 1498, 1510, 1512 of siderails1220, 1234 to prevent insertion of controller 1476 in a upside-downorientation. Each surface 1492, 1494 is curved along its longitudinallength to substantially match the longitudinal contour of openings 1488,1490 of head and foot end siderails 1220, 1234. For example, lowersurface 1492 has a radius of curvature 1483 that matches a radius ofcurvature 1481 of lower surfaces 1496, 1510 of head and foot end rails1220, 1234. Similarly, upper surface 1494 has a radius of curvature 1489that matches a radius of curvature 1485 of upper surfaces 1498, 1512 ofhead and foot end rails 1220, 1234. If a patient or caregiver attemptsto insert controller 1476 into either opening 1488, 1490 in anupside-down orientation, corners 1540, 1542 will block insertion ofcontroller 1476 into opening 1488, 1490.

Because of the curvature of convex surfaces 1496, 1498, 1510, 1512 ofsiderails 1220, 1234, openings 1488, 1490 are also curved. As controller1476 slides along these curved surfaces, they follow a path that hasboth longitudinal and transverse components 1539, 1541 relative to alongitudinal axis 1543 of the respective siderails 1220, 1234 as shownin FIG. 104.

As shown in FIG. 102, controller 1476 further includes a cord 1544 thatcommunicates electric signals to and from controller 1476. Cord 1544includes a connector (not shown) similar to connector 1034 of bed 1210that couples to either of two connectors 1546, 1548 on weigh frame 1248.According to the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, connector 1548is coupled to a first side of bed 1210 as shown in FIG. 92 and connector1546 is coupled to an opposite second side of bed 1210 as shown in FIG.109. A plurality of wires (not shown) are coupled to each connector1546, 1548 to communicate with the various electrically controlleddevices of bed 1210. Preferably, the plurality of wires meet at ajunction (not shown), such as a central controller or processor, andthen extend to the various electrically controlled devices.

Because two connectors 1546, 1548 are provided on opposite sides of bed1210, controller 1476 can be plugged into either side of bed 1210. Thus,if a patient or caregiver finds it more convenient to positioncontroller 1476 on the pair of head and foot end siderails 1220, 1234 onthe first side of bed 1210, controller 1476 can be plugged intoconnector 1546 without cord 1544 having to be strung over the mattress.Similarly, if a patient or caregiver finds it more convenient toposition controller 1476 on the pair of head and foot end siderails1220, 1234 on the second side of bed 1210, controller 1476 can beplugged into connector 1548 without cord 1544 having to be strung overthe mattress. Thus, a corded controller is provided that can beremovably coupled to either side of the bed without having to string thecord of the controller over the mattress of the bed.

As shown in FIG. 105, the control system of bed 1210 further includes afoot-operated control assembly 1554 that includes a plurality offoot-operated controls 1555. Foot-operated controls 1555 are provided tocontrol raising and lowering of deck 1214, raising and lowering headsection 1487 relative to weigh frame 1248, and moving weigh frame 1248between the Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg positions.Foot-operated controls 1555 are also provided to place bed 1210 in a CPRmode. When in the CPR mode, mattress 1230 is inflated to a predeterminedmaximum pressure to provide a firm surface for performing CPR, headsection 1487 of deck 1226, if raised, is lowered to a flat position, anda seat section 1557 of deck 1226, if raised, is lowered to a flatposition.

Each foot-operated control 1555 is associated with one of theabove-mentioned functions and includes a pedal or control member 1556appropriately labeled for the respective function. By stepping on any ofpedals 1556 or raising any of pedals 1556 with the tip of one's foot,one of these functions of bed 1210 is activated. When pedals 1556 arereleased, they are automatically biased back to the neutral position andthe function terminates.

Pedals 1556 are pivotably coupled to a pedal housing 1558 that isfixedly coupled to base frame 1230 in a spaced-apart relationship withthe floor. Pedal housing 1558 includes a plurality of walls 1559 thatcooperated to define cavities 1561 that receive pedals 1556. Walls 1559are coupled to a plurality of aligned rectangular collars 1563, 1565,1567 that cooperate to receive base frame 1232 as shown in FIGS. 105 and106. Collar 1565 is centrally located and defines an enclosed space1567. Collars 1563, 1565 are coupled to base frame 1232 by a pluralityof fasteners 1569.

As shown in FIG. 106, each pedal 1556 is pivotable between a first or upposition (shown in phantom), a second or down position (shown inphantom), and a third or neutral position (shown in solid). Each pedal1556 has a stepped profile and includes a pedal portion 1560, a pivotportion 1562, and a sensor portion 1564. Pedal portion 1560 extendsbeyond pedal housing 1558 to permit a caregiver to press down on pedalportion 1560 and lift up on pedal portion 1560. When in the neutralposition, a top surface 1531 of pedal portion 1560 is at an angle of 15Efrom horizontal to help a caregiver's line of sight in viewing a decalor indicator 1566 positioned on each pedal portion 1560 that indicateswhat function of bed 1210 is controlled by the particular pedal 1556.

Pins 1568 are provided that extend through pivot portions 1562 anddefine a pivot axis 1569 about which pedals 1556 pivot on housing 1558.Each foot-operated control 1556 includes a biaser 1571 including a firstspring 1570 positioned between base frame 1232 and pivot portion 1562 tobias pedal 1556 in a clockwise direction 1572, as shown in FIG. 106, anda second spring 1574 positioned between base frame 1232 and pivotportion 1562 to bias pedal 1556 in an opposite counterclockwisedirection 1576. According to the preferred embodiment of the presentdisclosure, first and second springs 1570, 1574 are balanced to urgepedal 1556 to the neutral position shown in solid in FIG. 106. Accordingto alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the pedals and/orthe base frame include spring mounts or counter-bores to secure thesprings. According to another alternative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the springs are adhered to the pedal and/or base frame.

If pedal portion 1560 is pushed down to move pedal 1556 to the downposition, first spring 1570 compresses and second spring 1574 expands.This compression and expansion creates an imbalance that biases pedal1556 back to the neutral position when released. Similarly, if pedalportion 1562 is raised up to move pedal to the up position, secondspring 1574 compresses and first spring 1572 expands. This compressionand expansion creates an imbalance that biases pedal 1556 back to theneutral position when released.

The position of each pedal 1556 is detected by a sensor 1578. If sensor1578 detects that the respective pedal 1556 has moved to a predeterminedup position, one function of bed 1210 is activated. When sensor 1578detects that the respective pedal 1556 has moved to a predetermined downposition, another, typically opposite, function is activated. Whensensor 1578 detects that the respective pedal 1556 is in a predeterminedneutral position, the respective functions are terminated. Thus, eachfoot-operated control 1555 is configured to activate a function of bed1210 when moved into either the up or down position.

Sensor 1578 is preferably mounted on a circuit board 1577. Pedal housing1558 includes a pair of transversely extending lips 1551, 1553 definingslots 1549, 1547 sized to receive opposite edges of circuit board 1577.To position sensor 1578 on housing 1558, the edges of circuit board 1577are slid into slots 1549, 1547 and secured with a fastener, such as ascrew, adhesive, locking tab, or any other fastener known to those ofordinary skill in the art. A cable 1545 is coupled to each sensor 1578to send signals indicative of the position of pedal 1556 detected bysensor 1578. Cables 1545 extend into enclosed space 1567 of centrallylocated collar 1565. Each cable 1545 is coupled to a circuit board (notshown) or other junction positioned in enclosed space 1567 and a singlecable 1581 extends to a central controller or processor 1579 to controlthe various actuators and mattress components.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, sensor1578 is a Hall effect field sensor that detects change in thecharacteristics of a magnetic field generated by pedal 1556. A magnet1580 is positioned on sensor portion 1564 of each pedal 1556 in aposition spaced apart from sensor 1578. Sensor 1578 detects the changein position of magnet 1580 during movement of the respective pedal 1556by detecting the change in magnetic field. Based on this change inmagnetic field, sensor 1578 sends a signal indicative of the up, down,or neutral positions of the respective pedal 1556 to controller 1579.Controller 1579 then initiates the application of power to motors 1271of actuators 1264, 1266, 1612, 1660 from power source 1281 to controland power the function of the respective components of bed 1210.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, othersensors are provided to detect the position of the pedals and to controlthe respective functions of the bed, such as other proximity switches, athree-position mechanical switch, other mechanical switches, otherelectrical switches, other field sensors that detect changes in anelectric field due to changes in capacitance or inductance, other fieldsensors known to those of ordinary skill in the art, or any other sensorknown to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 105, four pedals 1556 are provided to control variousfunctions of bed 1210 when raised up or pushed down. For example, afirst pedal 1582 is provided that when pivoted upwardly, raises weighframe 1248 and when stepped on, lowers weigh frame 1248. A second pedal1584 is provided for raising and lowering head section 1487 relative toweigh frame 1248 when lifted and stepped on. Series of pedals 1556 alsoincludes a third pedal 1586 for moving weigh frame 1248 between theTrendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg positions.

A fourth pedal 1588 is provided for quickly putting bed 1210 in the CPRmode. When pedal 1558 is moved to the raised or lowered position,mattress 1230 is inflated to the predetermined maximum pressure, headsection 1487 of deck 1226, if raised, is lowered to the flat position,and seat section 1557, if raised, is lowered to the flat position tofacilitate administration of CPR. According to the preferred embodimentof the present disclosure, mattress 1230 automatically returns to normalpressure thirty minutes after the CPR mode is initiated. If desired, thecaregiver uses controller 1412 to override the CPR mode to returnmattress 1230 to normal pressure. According to alternative embodimentsof the present disclosure, the CPR pedal is not provided. According toan alternative embodiment the plurality of pedals also includes a pedalfor extending and retracting a foot section of the hospital bed or foractivating any other feature of the bed.

Pedals 1582, 1584, 1586, therefore, are operated in an intuitive mannerto control the various functions of the hospital bed. That is, pedals1582, 1584, 1586 are stepped on to perform a “down” function and arelifted upwardly with the top of a user's foot to perform an “up”function.

As shown in FIG. 92, a second pedal housing 1573 and second set offoot-operated controls 1575 are supported on base frame 1232 on theopposite side of bed 1210. Pedal housing 1573 is identical to pedalhousing 1558 and foot-operated controls 1575 are identical tofoot-operated controls 1555.

Deck 1214 is substantially similar to deck 814 of bed 810 and includesseveral portions or sections 1487, 1557, 1590 that can be tiltedrelative to intermediate frame 1252. Head section 1487 is positionedadjacent to headboard 1216 and is pivotably coupled to a pair of deckflanges 1592 coupled to weigh frame 1248 as shown in FIG. 92. Seatsection 1557 is also pivotably coupled to upwardly extending flanges1592 of weigh frame 1248. Foot section 1590 is pivotably coupled to seatsection 1557 by a hinge 1594 and is coupled adjacent to footboard 1218.

Similar to deck sections 22, 24, 26, 28 of deck 14 of bed 10, eachsection 1487, 1557, 1590 of deck 1214 includes angled side walls 1622.Each section 1487, 1557, 1590 further includes substantially flat andrigid bottom walls 1624 preferably made of steel.

Foot section 1590 of deck 1214 is extendable and retractable. A fulldescription of an extendable and retractable foot section is disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/120,125, filed Jul. 22, 1998, thedisclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Hospital bed 1210 includes a tilt assembly 1610 that enables headsection 1487 to be moved automatically relative to weigh frame 1248. Asshown in FIG. 107, tilt assembly 1610 includes a tilt actuator 1612coupled to a transversely extending strut 1613 of weigh frame 1248 and atransfer link 1614 pivotably coupled to tilt actuator 1612 and headsection 1487.

To raise or tilt head section 1487, a rod 1616 of actuator 1612 isextended so that transfer link 1614 pushes head section 1487 in aclockwise direction 1619 as shown in FIG. 107. To lower head section1487, rod 1616 is retracted so that transfer link 1614 pulls headsection 1487 in a counterclockwise direction 1620 as shown in FIG. 107.

Hospital bed 1210 further includes a tilt assembly 1650 facilitatingautomatic tilting of foot and seat sections 1590, 1557 relative to weighframe 1248 and foot section 1590 relative to seat section 1557. Tiltassembly 1650 is substantially similar to tilt assembly 1048 of bed 810.Tilt assembly 1650 includes a tilt actuator 1660 coupled to atransversely extending strut 1652 of weigh frame 1248 and seat section1557 and a link 1654 pivotably coupled to foot section 1590 andremovably and pivotably coupled to weigh frame 1248. Weigh frame 1248includes a pin received by a notch in link 1654 so that link 1654 ismovable between a locked position (see, for example, FIGS. 79 and 81showing link 1052 of tilt assembly 1048 of bed 810), and an unlockedposition (see, for example, FIG. 80 showing link 1052 of bed 810). Thesetwo positions provide two modes of titling between seat section 1557 andfoot section 1590 (see, for example, FIGS. 79-81 for bed 810).

When in the locked position, link 1654 provides a rigid link betweenweigh frame 1248 and foot section 1590. As tilt actuator 1660 islengthened, seat section 1557 pivots relative to weigh frame 1248 (asshown in FIGS. 80 and 81 for bed 810). When link 1654 is in the lockedposition and tilt actuator 1660 is activated, foot section 1590 movesupwardly relative to weigh frame 1248 (as shown in FIG. 81 for bed 810)but, maintains a substantially horizontal orientation. According toalternative embodiments of the present disclosure, other orientationsare provided.

When link 1654 is uncoupled from the pin and tilt actuator 1660 isactivated (as shown in FIG. 80 for bed 810), foot section 1590 rotatesabout a roller coupled to weigh frame 1248 so that a proximal end offoot section 1590 is raised and a distal end of foot section 1590lowers. Thus, foot section 1590 is movable relative to seat section 1557to maintain a substantially horizontal or other position (as shown inFIG. 81 for bed 810) when link 1654 is in the locked position and atilted or other position (as shown in FIG. 81 for bed 810) relative toweigh frame 1248 when link 1654 is in the unlocked position.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, otherconfigurations of linkage systems are provided to facilitate two modesof tilting the foot or other section of the deck relative to anothersection of the deck during movement of another section of the deckrelative to the upper or other frame member. Such linkage systemsinclude additional links, hinges, cables, brackets, flanges, or othermembers known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Split siderails 1220, 1234 are pivotably coupled to respective headsection 1487 of deck 1214 and weigh frame 1248. Each siderail 1220, 1234is configured to move between up positions, as shown in FIG. 109, anddown positions, as shown in FIG. 110, to permit entry and egress ofpatients into and out of hospital bed 1210. Each siderail 1220, 1234includes a respective rail member 1506, 1664 and a linkage assembly1666, 1667 coupled between respective rail members 1506, 1664 andrespective head section 1487 of deck 1214 and weigh frame 1248 thatpermit rail members 1506, 1664 to be moved between upper and lowerpositions.

Linkage assembly 1666 includes a first link 1668 rigidly coupled torespective head section 1487 of deck 1214 and weigh frame 1248, a pairof curved second links 1670 pivotably coupled to first link 1668, athird link 1672 pivotably coupled to second links 1670, and a curvedfourth link 1674 pivotably coupled to third and first links 1668, 1672.Linkage assemblies 1666, 1667 are substantially similar to linkageassembly 142 of bed 10.

First link 1668 includes a base 1676 coupled to intermediate weigh frame1248 and four upwardly extending flanges 1680 rigidly coupled to base1676 as shown in FIG. 111. Each second link 1670 includes a first end1682 pivotably coupled to flanges 1680 by a rod 1684 and a looped secondend 1686 pivotably coupled to third link 1672 by a rod 1688 as shown inFIG. 108.

Third link 1672 includes a base 1690, a first pair of inwardly extendingflanges 1692 coupled to base 1690, and a second pair of inwardlyextending flanges 1694 also coupled to base 1690 as shown in FIG. 108.Rod 1688 extends between flanges 1692 and through second ends 1686 ofsecond link 1670 to provide the pivotable connection therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 108, fourth link 1674 includes a base 1696 and alatch-receiving slot 1698 formed in base 1696. A first end 1710 of baseis slidably and pivotably coupled to second pair of flanges 1694 ofthird link 1672 by a rod 1712. A second end 1714 of base 1696 ispivotably coupled to the lower ends of flanges 1680 of first link 1668by a rod 1716. Thus, linkage assembly 1666 provides a four bar linkagepermitting siderails 1220 to swing between the up and down positions.

Each siderail 1220 further includes a retainer 1718 configured to “bind”the four bar linkage to prevent siderails 1220 from moving from the upposition to the down position. As shown in FIG. 108, retainer 1718includes a Z-shaped latch member 1720 positioned in latch-receiving slot1698 and pivotably coupled to fourth link 1674 by rod 1722 to movebetween a latched position, as shown in FIG. 108, and an unlatchedposition and a catch rod 1724 coupled to first link 1668 by a pair offlanges 1726. Rod 1724 extends between flanges 1726 as shown in FIG.112. Latch member 1720 includes a first end 1728 that engages catch rod1724 and a second end 1730. A handle 1732 is provided that is coupled tosecond end 1730. First end 1728 includes a notch 1734 configured toreceive catch rod 1724 therein to secure latch member 1720 in thelatched position as shown in FIG. 108.

When first end 1728 is latched onto catch rod 1724, a three bar linkageis established between first link 1668, latch member 1720, and fourthlink 1674. This arrangement of linkages binds first link 1668 relativeto fourth link 1674 so that linkage assembly 1666 is also bound frommoving while latch member 1720 is in the latched position to preventsiderails 1220 from swinging to the lower position.

To unbind linkage assembly 1666 and permit siderails 1220 to swing tothe down position, latch member 1720 must be moved from the latchedposition to the unlatched position. A caregiver can unlatch latch member1720 by pulling downwardly and outwardly on handle 1732 to pivot latchmember 1720 in the clockwise direction. This movement pulls first end1728 of latch member 1720 away from catch rod 1724 so that latch member1720 no longer binds first and fourth links 1668, 1674.

As shown in FIG. 111, assembly 1666 further includes a gas spring ordashpot 1669 coupled to first link 1668 and third link 1672. Gas spring1669 is compressed when siderail 1220 is lowered to dampen the movementand prevent rapid lowering of rail member 1506.

Because first and fourth links 1668, 1674 are free to pivot relative toone another, linkage assembly 1666 is also unbound and free to permitsiderails 1220 to swing between the upper and lower positions. A spring1736 is provided between a middle portion of fourth link 1674 and aspring mount 1738 coupled to a middle portion of latch member 1720 tobias latch member 1720 toward the latched position. According toalternative embodiments of the present disclosure, other retainers areprovided to hold the siderails in the upper position such as clasps,catches, locks, other latches, clamps, pins, bolts, bars, hasp, hooks,or other retainers known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Head end siderails 1220 are configured to move longitudinally whenraised and lowered. When lowered, head end siderail 1220 moves in afirst direction 1740, shown in FIG. 111, by a distance 1742 toward ahead end of head section 1487 of deck 1214. When raised, head endsiderails 1220 moves in a second direction 1744, shown in FIG. 112, bydistance 1742 back toward a foot end of head section 1487.

By moving head end siderails 1220 when lowering, additional clearance isprovided between head end siderail 1220 and foot end siderail 1234.Thus, when head section 1487 of deck 1214 is in the raised position (asshown in FIG. 110), foot end siderail 1234 is in the raised position (asshown in FIG. 110), and head end siderail 1220 is lowered from the upposition, rail member 1506 of head end siderail 1220 is pushed indirection 1742 to that contact with foot end siderail 1234 is avoided.

As shown in FIGS. 111 and 112, linkage assembly 1666 of head endsiderails 1220 includes a first set of cams 1746 and a second set ofcams 1748. Each set of cams 1746, 1748 includes a pair of stationary cammembers 1750, 1752 rigidly coupled to flanges 1680 of first links 1668and a pair of rotary cam members 1754, 1756 rigidly coupled to firstends 1682 of second links 1670. As shown in FIGS. 111 and 112, rod 1684extends through rotary cam members 1754, 1756 to pivotably couple secondlinks 1670 to first links 1668. According to an alternative embodimentof the present disclosure, only one set of cams are provided.

As shown in FIG. 111, each stationary cam member 1750, 1752 is atruncated cylinder that has a first substantially flat end surface 1758coupled to flanges 1680. Each respective stationary and rotary cammember 1750, 1752, 1754, 1756 further includes an inclined cam surface1760, 1762, 1764, 1766 that cooperates with a longitudinal axis ofrotation 1768 of rod 1684 to define respective angles therebetween ofapproximately 45E.

As shown in FIG. 111, cam surfaces 1760 of stationary cam members 1750are substantially parallel with and slightly spaced-apart from camsurfaces 1764 of rotary cam members 1754 when head end siderail 1220 isin the fully raised position. Cam surfaces 1762 of stationary cammembers 1752 are spaced-apart from cam surfaces 1766 of rotary cammembers 1756 and define an angle of approximately 90E therebetween.

When handle 1732 is pulled, head end siderail 1220 moves towards thelowered position. During this movement, rail member 1506, second links1670, and rotary cam members 1754 rotate in a clockwise direction 1778,as shown in FIG. 1778, so that cam surfaces 1764 of rotary cam members1754 move into contact with cam surfaces 1760 of stationary cam members1750. As shown in FIG. 112, continued rotation of rotary cam members1754 create forces between rotary cam members 1754 and stationary cammembers 1750. These forces push rotary cam members 1754, second links1670, and rail member 1506 of head end siderail 1220 in direction 1740.When head end siderail 1220 is moved to the lowered position, railmember 1506 is pushed toward the head end of head section 1487 bydistance 1742, as shown in FIG. 112.

As previously mentioned, third link 1672 is slidably coupled to fourthlink 1674 by rod 1712. During movement of rail member 1506 of head endsiderail 1220 in direction 1740, fourth link 1674 does not movelongitudinally so that third link 1672 and rail member 1506 slidesrelative to fourth link 1674.

When head end siderail 1220 is initially moved toward the raisedposition, cam surfaces 1762 of stationary cam members 1752 are slightlyspaced-apart from cam surfaces 1766 of rotary cam members 1756. Camsurfaces 1760 of stationary cam members 1750 are slightly spaced-apartfrom cam surfaces 1764 of rotary cam members 1754.

As head end siderail 1220 is moved further toward the raised position,rail member 1506, second links 1670, and rotary cam members 1754 rotatein a counterclockwise direction 1780, as shown in FIG. 112, so that camsurfaces 1762 of stationary cam members 1752 move into contact with camsurfaces 1766 of rotary cam members 1756. Continued rotation of rotarycam members 1754 create forces between rotary cam members 1756 andstationary cam members 1752. These forces push rotary cam members 1756,second links 1670, and rail member 1506 of head end siderail 1220 indirection 1744. During this movement, third link 1672 and rail member1506 slides relative to fourth link 1674 in direction 1744.

As shown in FIG. 111, cam surfaces 1760 of stationary cam members 1750are substantially parallel with and slightly spaced-apart from camsurfaces 1764 of rotary cam members 1754 when head end siderail 1220 isback to the fully raised position. Cam surfaces 1762 of stationary cammembers 1752 are spaced-apart from contact cam surfaces 1766 of rotarycam members 1756 and define an angle of approximately 90E therebetween.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, otherconfigurations of siderails that move in a longitudinal direction duringraising and lowering are provided. These alternative embodimentsincludes other configurations of cams, links, belts, cable, pulleys, orother mechanisms known to those of ordinary skill in the art forcreating movement of a member in one direction based on movement of thesame or another member in another direction.

The linkage assembly of foot end siderails 1234 are substantiallysimilar to linkage assembly 1666 of head end siderails 1220. However,the linkage assembly of foot end siderails 1234 are not configured tomove rail member 1664 longitudinally when moved between the raised andlowered position. Therefore, the linkage assembly of foot end siderail1234 does not include cam members and the third link is not configuredto slide relative to the fourth link.

A base frame 1832 of another alternative embodiment hospital bed 1810 isshown in FIG. 113. Bed 1810 includes a caster braking system 1868including a caster-brake link 1870 extending through hollow base frame1832 as shown in FIG. 113. Caster braking system 1868 interconnects eachcaster 1862, 1863 to provide simultaneous braking of casters 1862, 1863.To simultaneously brake casters 1862, 1863, the caregiver steps on oneof foot brake pedals 1872, 1874 and caster braking system 1868 lockscasters 1862 against rolling. Caster braking system 1868 furtherincludes a transversely extending rod 1892 that is offset from casters1862, 1863 that facilitates coordination of the locking and unlocking ofcasters 1862, 1863 located on opposite sides of bed frame 1832.

As shown in FIG. 113, foot brake pedal 1872 is longitudinally spacedapart from caster 1862 by a distance 1876. Foot brake pedal 1872 iscoupled to base frame 1832 by a rod (not shown) similar to rod 878 ofbed 810 and pivotably coupled to caster-brake link 1870 by an arm (notshown) similar to arm 880 of bed 810. During rotation of foot brakepedal 1872 about axis 1882 in direction 1884, the arm transmits force tocaster-brake link 1870. Caster-brake link 1870 moves in direction 1871to transmits this force to an arm (not shown) similar to arm 886 of bed810 pivotably coupled to caster-brake link 1870 and rigidly coupled to ahexagonal rod (not shown) similar to rod 888 of bed 810 of casterbraking system 868. This rotation causes the hexagonal rod to rotateabout an axis 1890 in direction 1886 causing caster 1862 to lock.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure,caster-brake link 1870 is positioned below rod 1878 so thatcounterclockwise rotation of rod 1878 by foot brake pedal 1872 indirection 1884 causes movement of caster-brake link 1870 in direction1871. Similarly, rotation of pedal 1872 in clockwise direction 1869causes caster-brake link 1870 to move in direction 1867 and thehexagonal rod to rotate in clockwise direction 1865 to unlock caster1862. According to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure,the caster-brake link is positioned above the rod so that rotation ofthe pedal in direction 1884 causes the caster-brake link to move indirection 1867 and movement of the pedal in direction 1869 causes thecaster-brake link to move in direction 1871.

Additional description of a caster braking system similar to the casterbraking system of the present disclosure is provided in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/263,039, filed Mar. 5, 1999, to Mobley et al.,entitled Caster and Braking System, the disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated by reference herein. According to alternative embodimentsof the present disclosure other configurations of caster braking and/orsteering systems with or without simultaneous locking functions areprovided for use with the foot brake pedal and caster-brake link of thepresent disclosure.

Caster-brake link 1870 also transmits the rotation of foot brake pedal1872 to the other hexagonal rods (not shown) similar to 888, 892 of bed810 associated with the other casters 1862, 1863 to simultaneously brakeall four casters 1862, 1863. As shown in FIG. 113, link 1870 includes aportion 1894 that continues to extend through frame member 1832 andcouples to the hexagonal rod of caster 1863 in a manner similar to thecoupling to hexagonal rod 888 shown in FIG. 67. Therefore, when thehexagonal rods of caster 1862 rotate about axis of rotation 1890, thehexagonal rod of caster 1863 rotates about axis 1894. To unlock casters1862, 1863, foot brake pedal 1872 is rotated in a direction oppositedirection 1884 to rotate the hexagonal rod of caster 1863 in a directionopposite direction 1890 to unlock caster 1862. Caster-brake link 1870also transmits the rotation to the other hexagonal rods of the othercasters 1862, 1863 to simultaneously release all casters 1862, 1863.

Transversely extending rod 1892 transmits the rotation of pedal 1872 tothe other hexagonal rods. Another caster-brake link 1894 that isidentical to caster-brake link 1870 extends through the opposite side ofbase frame 1832 and couples the hexagonal rods of the other casters1862, 1863 together so that rotation of the other head end pedal 1872 istransferred to all four casters 1862, 1863 to provide simultaneouslocking and unlocking of casters 1862, 1863.

Similarly, the caster-brake links 1870, 1894 also transmit the rotationof foot brake pedals 1874 to all four caster 1862, 1863. Foot brakepedals 1874 are directly coupled to the hexagonal rods and coupled tothe caster-brake links 1870 by an arm (not shown) similar to arm 886 ofbed 810. Thus, if brake pedals 1874 are rotated to lock or unlock eithercaster 1863, the other casters 1862, 1863 are also locked or unlocked.

Brake pedal 1872 is positioned so that a caregiver standing adjacent toheadboard 1816 can operate the caster braking system. As shown in FIG.113, brake pedal 1872 includes a foot pad 1875 positioned adjacent to ahead end of base frame 1832. A caregiver positioned near headboard 1816can step on pad 1875 to lock casters 1862, 1863 without having to moveto the side of bed 1810 to access brake pedal 1872.

As shown in FIG. 113, because brake pedal 1872 is longitudinally spacedapart from caster 1862, axis of rotation 1890 of the hexagonal rod islongitudinally positioned between axis of rotation 1882 of rod 1878 andaxis of rotation 1894 of the opposite hexagonal rod. Thus, the portionof caster-brake link 1870 positioned between arms 1880, 1886 is anextension 1896 that permits pedal 1872 to be longitudinally spaced apartfrom caster 1862. According to an alternative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the foot end brake pedals are also spaced apart from thefoot end casters in a manner similar to head end brake pedals.

According to the present disclosure, a patient support is provided. Thepatient support includes a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, abarrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the mattress, and acontroller. The barrier includes first and second spaced-apart rails andthe controller is positioned to slide along the first and second rails.For example, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS. 76-78, 92,and 102-104.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame, a mattress supported by theframe, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from themattress, and a controller. The barrier includes upper and lowersurfaces that cooperate to define an opening. The controller ispositioned to slide along the lower surface defining the opening in thebarrier. For example, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS.76-78, 92, and 102-104.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame, a mattress supported by theframe, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from themattress, and a controller. The barrier includes a curved opening andthe controller is positioned in the curved opening to move along thebarrier. For example, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS.76-78, 92, and 102-104.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame, a mattress supported by theframe, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from themattress, and a controller. The barrier includes a surface defining anopening in the barrier. The controller includes a housing and a retainercoupled to the housing. The retainer is configured to contact thesurface of the barrier to removable couple the housing to the barrier.For example, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS. 76-78, 92,and 102-104.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame, a mattress supported by theframe, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from themattress, and a controller. The controller is removably coupled to thebarrier and is movable from a first position spaced apart from thebarrier to a second position coupled to the barrier. The controller ismovable along a path having a horizontal component from the firstposition to the second position to couple the controller to the barrier.The controller is movable along the barrier when in the second position.For example, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS. 76-78, 92,and 102-104.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame and a mattress supported bythe frame. The mattress has a first side and a second side transverselyspaced-apart from the first side. The patient support further includes afirst barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the firstside of the mattress, a second barrier positioned to block egress of apatient from the second side of the mattress, and a controller. Thefirst barrier includes a first opening formed therein and the secondbarrier includes a second opening formed therein. The controller isconfigured to be removably received in the first opening of the firstbarrier and removably received in the second opening of the secondbarrier. For example, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS.76-78, 92, and 102-104.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame, a mattress supported by theframe, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from themattress, and a controller. The barrier has a longitudinal axis. Thebarrier includes a guide configured to direct movement of the controlleralong the barrier in a path having longitudinal and transversecomponents. For example, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS.76-78, 92, and 102-104.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame, a mattress supported by theframe, a pair of spaced-apart barriers positioned to block egress of apatient from the mattress, and a controller removably coupled to thebarrier. The controller includes a housing, a cord coupled to thehousing, and a first connector coupled to the cord. The patient supportfurther includes a second connector supported by the frame. The firstconnector is configured to couple to the second connector to providecommunication for the controller through the first and second connectorswhen the first connector is coupled to the second connector. The patientsupport further includes a third connector supported by the frame. Thefirst connector is configured to couple to the third connector toprovide communication for the controller through the first and thirdconnectors when the first connector is coupled to the third connector.For example, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS. 76-78, 82,84, 92, and 102-104.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame having a base frame and anintermediate frame configured to move relative to the base frame betweenfirst and second positions, a deck coupled to the intermediate frame,and a mattress supported by the deck. The deck includes at least onedeck section configured to move relative to the intermediate framebetween first and second positions. The patient support further includesa plurality of actuators configured to move between first and secondpositions to move the intermediate frame relative to the base frame anddeck section relative to the intermediate frame and a plurality ofelectrical foot-operated controls supported by the frame. Each of theplurality of foot-operated controls is movable to a first position tocontrol movement of at least one of the plurality of actuators to thefirst position and a second position to control movement of at least oneof the plurality of actuators to the second position. For example, seeillustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS. 15, 16, 92, 105, and 106.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame, a deck supported by theframe, a mattress supported by the deck, and an actuator configured tomove between first and second positions to move at least one of aportion of the frame and a portion of the deck. The patient supportfurther includes an electrical foot-operated control movable to a firstposition activating movement of the actuator to the first position and asecond position activating movement of the actuator to the secondposition. For example, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS.15, 16, 92, 105, and 106.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame, a deck supported by theframe, a mattress supported by the deck, and an actuator configured tomove at least one of a portion of the frame and a portion of the deck.The patient support further includes a control configured to controlmovement of the actuator. The control including a control member and afield sensor configured to detect a change in a field caused by a changein position of the control member to control operation of the actuatorbased upon the change in position of the control member. For example,see an illustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS. 92, 105, and 106.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame, a deck supported by theframe, a mattress supported by the deck, a first actuator configured tomove between first and second positions to move at least one of aportion of the frame and a portion of the deck, and a second actuatorconfigured to move between first and second positions to move at leastone of a portion of the frame and a portion of the deck. The patientsupport further includes a foot-operated control movable to a firstposition to control movement of the first and second actuators to thefirst positions and a second position to control movement of the firstand second actuators to the second positions. For example, seeillustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS. 15, 16, 92, 105, and 106.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame, a plurality of wheelsconfigured to support the frame and facilitate movement of the frame onthe floor, a deck supported by the frame, a mattress supported by thedeck, and an actuator configured to move at least one of a portion ofthe frame and a portion of the deck. The patient support furtherincludes an electrical foot-operated control configured to controlmovement of the actuator. For example, see illustrative preferredembodiments in FIGS. 15, 16, 92, 105, and 106.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame, a deck supported by theframe, a mattress supported by the deck, and an actuator configured tomove at least one of a portion of the frame and a portion of the deck.The patient support further includes an electrical foot-operated controlsupported by the frame and configured to control movement of theactuator. For example, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS.15, 16, 92, 105, and 106.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame, a deck supported by theframe, a mattress supported by the deck, an actuator configured to movebetween first and second positions to move at least one of a portion ofthe frame and a portion of the deck, and a power source configured toapply power to the actuator to move between the first and secondpositions. The patient support further includes a foot-operated controlmovable to a first position initiating application of power from thepower source to the actuator to move the actuator to the first positionand a second position initiating application of power from the powersource to the actuator to move the actuator to the second position. Forexample, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS. 15, 16, 92,105, and 106.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame, a deck supported by theframe, and a mattress supported by the deck. The mattress includes aretractable foot portion configured to have an adjustable length. Theretractable foot portion includes a foam portion and a heel-pressurerelief portion. For example, see an illustrative preferred embodiment inFIGS. 88-91, 114, and 115.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a mattress isprovided. The mattress includes a head portion, a seat portion, and aretractable foot portion. The head, seat, and foot portions cooperate todefine a patient rest surface. The retractable foot portion has anadjustable length, a main body, and a heel-pressure relief portion. Themain body has a cavity sized to received the heel-pressure reliefportion. For example, see an illustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS.88-91, 114, and 115.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a mattress isprovided. The mattress includes a head portion, a seat portion, and afoot portion. The foot portion has an adjustable length. The head, seat,and foot portions cooperate to define a patient rest surface having anadjustable length. The foot portion includes an adjustable length foamportion and a heel-pressure relief portion having a stiffness less thanthe stiffness of the foam portion. For example, see an illustrativepreferred embodiment in FIGS. 88-91, 114, and 115.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method ofsupporting a patient is provided. The method includes the step ofproviding a patient support. The patient support has an adjustablelength, a foam calf support, and a heel-pressure relief portion that hasa stiffness less than the stiffness of the foam calf support. The methodfurther includes the step of adjusting the length of the patient supportto position the foam calf support under a patient's calves and theheel-pressure relief portion under a patient's heels. For example, seean illustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS. 88-91, 114, and 115.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame, a deck supported by theframe, a mattress supported by the deck, and a controller. The deckincludes a head section configured to move relative to the frame and afoot section having an adjustable length. The controller is configuredto change the length of the foot section to correspond to the positionof the head section of the deck. The foot section of the deck remainssubstantially horizontal during the change of the length of the footsection. For example, see an illustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS.88-91, 114, and 115.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame, a deck supported by theframe, and a mattress supported by the deck. The deck includes a headsection and a foot section. The head section is configured to raise andlower relative to the frame. The mattress has a head portion positionedover the head section of the deck and an adjustable length foot portionpositioned over the foot section of the deck. The length of the footportion of the mattress is configured to increase in length tocorrespond to raising of the head section of the deck. For example, seean illustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS. 88-91, 114, and 115.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a patientsupport is provided that includes a frame, a deck supported by theframe, and a mattress supported by the deck. The deck includes a headsection, a seat section, and a foot section. The head section isconfigured to raise and lower relative to the frame. The mattress has ahead portion positioned over the head section of the deck and a footportion having a heel-pressure relief portion. The position of theheel-pressure relief portion corresponds to the position of the headsection relative to the frame. For example, see an illustrativepreferred embodiment in FIGS. 88-91, 114, and 115.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method ofmaintaining heel-pressure relief of a patient is provided. The methodincludes the step of providing a patient support. The patient supportincludes a frame, a deck supported by the frame and having a footsection and a head section movable between first and second positionsrelative to the frame, and a mattress having a foot portion positionedover the foot section of the deck and a head section positioned over thehead section of the deck. The foot portion has a heel-pressure reliefportion configured to reduce the surface pressure on a patient's heel.The method further comprises the step of corresponding the position ofthe heel-pressure relief portion of the mattress with the position ofthe head section of deck to maintain the position of the heel-pressurerelief portion under the patient's heel. For example, see anillustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS. 88-91, 114, and 115.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress positioned over the frame, and a barrier positioned to blockegress of a person from the mattress. The barrier is made of anon-opaque material. For example, see an illustrative preferredembodiment in FIG. 32.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress positioned over the frame, and a barrier positioned to blockegress of a person from the mattress. The barrier is made of anon-opaque material. The patient support further includes a light sourcepositioned to introduce light into the barrier made of non-opaquematerial to illuminate the barrier. For example, see an illustrativepreferred embodiment in FIG. 32.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress positioned over the frame, and a siderail positioned to blockegress of a person from the mattress. The siderail is made of anon-opaque material. For example, see an illustrative preferredembodiment in FIG. 32.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress positioned over the frame, and at least one headboard andfootboard positioned to block egress of a person from the mattress. Theat least one headboard and foot board is made of a non-opaque material.For example, see an illustrative preferred embodiment in FIG. 1.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress positioned over the frame, and a siderail. The siderailincludes a rail member configured to move from a first position to asecond position. The rail member has an inner side facing the mattressand an outer side facing away from the mattress. The siderail furtherincludes a retainer configured to hold the rail member in the firstposition and a patient-accessible release configured to permit movementof the siderail from the first position. The patient-accessible releaseis accessible to a person normally positioned on the mattress. Forexample, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS. 27-33 and36-39.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress positioned over the frame, and a siderail. The siderailincludes a rail member configured to move from a first position to asecond position, a retainer configured to hold the rail member in thefirst position, a release configured to permit movement of the railmember from the first position, and a lock configured to prevent therelease from permitting movement of the rail member from the firstposition. For example, see an illustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS.27-33.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress positioned over the frame, and a siderail including a railmember configured to move from a first position to a second position.The patient support further includes a retainer configured to hold therail member in the first position, a first release configured to permitmovement of the siderail from the first position, and second releaseconfigured to permit movement of the siderail from the first position.For example, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS. 27-33 and36-39.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress positioned over the frame, and a siderail. The siderailincludes a rail member configured to move from a first position blockingegress of a person positioned on the mattress to a second position andan armrest arranged to support an arm of the person positioned on themattress. For example, see an illustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS.32-35.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress positioned over the frame, and a siderail. The siderailincludes a rail member configured to move from a first position blockingegress of a person positioned on the mattress to a second position and acontainer holder configured to support a container. For example, see anillustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS. 32-35.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress positioned over the frame, and a barrier positioned to blockegress of a patient from the mattress, a wireless controller configuredto couple to the barrier. The wireless controller is configured tocontrol a function of the patient support. For example, see anillustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS. 74 and 75.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress positioned over the frame, a first siderail positioned to blockegress of a patient from the mattress. The first siderail includes afirst end and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The patientsupport further includes a second siderail positioned to block egress ofa patient from the mattress. The first siderail is configured to movebetween first and second positions relative to the second siderail. Thesecond siderail includes an upper edge having a concave portion arrangedto receive the first end of the first siderail when in the secondposition. For example, see an illustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS.71-73.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress positioned over the frame, a first siderail, and a secondsiderail. The mattress defines a substantially horizontal plane. Thefirst siderail is positioned to block egress of a patient from a firstside of the mattress. The first siderail is configured to tilt inwardtoward the mattress to define an acute angle with the horizontal planedefined by the mattress. The second siderail is positioned to blockegress of a patient from a second side of the mattress. The secondsiderail is configured to tilt inward toward the mattress to define anangle with the horizontal plane defined by the mattress. For example,see an illustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS. 52-53.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress positioned over the frame, a barrier positioned to block egressof a patient positioned on the mattress, and a CPR panel configured tobe positionable under a patient positioned on the mattress to facilitateadministering CPR on the patient. The patient support further includes aCPR panel retention member arranged to retain lower corners of the CPRpanel adjacent to the barrier. For example, see an illustrativepreferred embodiment in FIGS. 62-64.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress positioned over the frame, and a barrier positioned to blockegress of a patient positioned on the mattress. The barrier includes aperimeter frame member and a screen coupled to the perimeter framemember. The perimeter frame member defines an opening. The screenincludes a tubular sleeve defining a passage sized to slidably receivethe perimeter frame member and a panel coupled to the sleeve to extendacross the opening defined by the perimeter frame member. For example,see an illustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS. 54 and 55.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress supported by the frame, a footboard supported by the frame, aheadboard supported by the frame, and a controller pivotably coupled toat least one of the headboard and footboard. For example, see anillustrative preferred embodiment in FIG. 14.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress supported by the frame, a footboard supported by the frame, anda headboard supported by the frame. At least one of the headboard andfootboard is removable from a normally vertical blocking positionblocking egress of a patient from the mattress and a horizontal tableposition positioned over the mattress. For example, see illustrativepreferred embodiments in FIGS. 52, 53, and 56-60.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress supported by the frame, a footboard supported by the frame, anda headboard supported by the frame, a siderail supported by the frame.The patient support further includes a gap filler coupled to at leastone of the footboard and headboard to block egress of a patient througha gap defined between said at least one of the footboard and headboardand the siderail. For example, see an illustrative preferred embodimentin FIGS. 61 and 68-70.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, adeck supported by the frame, and a mattress supported by the deck. Thedeck including an upper deck portion, a lower deck portion coupled tothe upper deck portion by a slanted deck side wall so that the lowerdeck portion is spaced apart from the upper deck to define a central,longitudinal recess in the deck. The lower deck portion extends acrossthe deck to provide a lower deck support surface. For example, seeillustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS. 40, 42-45, and 82.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame and adeck supported by the frame. The deck includes a foot section, a backsection pivotably coupled to the frame to move between first and secondpositions relative to the frame, and a head section pivotably coupledthe back section to move between first and second positions. The patientsupport further includes a mechanism configured to control movement ofthe back and head sections. The mechanism is configured to move betweena first position wherein the head section remains substantiallyhorizontal with the back section when the back section is moved from thefirst position to the second position and a second position wherein thehead section tilts relative to the back section when the back section ismoved from the first position to the second position. For example, seean illustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS. 17-21.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame and adeck supported by the frame. The deck includes a seat section pivotablycoupled to the frame to move between first and second positions and afoot section pivotably coupled to the seat section to move between firstand second positions. The patient support further includes a mechanismconfigured to control movement of the foot section relative to the seatsection. The mechanism is configured to move between a first positionwherein the foot section remains substantially horizontal when the seatsection moves from the first position to the second position and asecond position wherein the foot section deviates from beingsubstantially horizontal when the seat section moves from the firstposition to the second position. For example, see illustrative preferredembodiments in FIGS. 22-26, 79-81, and 92.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, adeck supported by the frame, and a mattress supported by the supportmember of the deck. The deck includes a pair of spaced-apart sidewallsand a support member extending between the side walls. The supportmember is configured to move relative to at least one of the side wallsto permit deflection thereof when a patient is positioned on themattress. For example, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS.43-45 and 82-83.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, adeck supported by the frame, and a mattress supported by the deck. Thedeck includes a head end and a foot end spaced apart from the head end.The patient support further includes at least one hand grip coupled tothe head end of the deck. For example, see illustrative preferredembodiments in FIGS. 40 and 53.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame and adeck supported by the frame. The deck includes a plurality of decksections configured to move relative to the frame. The patient supportfurther includes a spill guard positioned in a gap defined between atleast two of the plurality of deck sections. For example, see anillustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS. 82 and 83.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frameincluding a base frame, an intermediate frame, and a plurality of liftarms configured to support the intermediate frame on the base frame. Theplurality of lift arms are slidably coupled to the base frame by aplurality of roller positioned in the base frame. The patient supportfurther includes a plurality of wheels coupled to the base frame tofacilitate movement of the base frame and a wheel control linkpositioned in the base frame to facilitate simultaneous control of theplurality of wheels. For example, see an illustrative preferredembodiment in FIGS. 3 and 4.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frameincluding a base frame, an intermediate frame, and a plurality of liftarms configured to move the intermediate frame relative to the baseframe. The patient support further includes a deck supported by theintermediate frame, a headboard coupled to the base frame, and afootboard supported by the intermediate frame. For example, seeillustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS. 1, 9, 61, and 92.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frameincluding a base frame, an intermediate frame, and a plurality of liftarms configured to move the intermediate frame relative to the baseframe. The patient support further includes a deck supported by theintermediate frame, a headboard coupled to the base frame, and afootboard coupled to the deck. For example, see illustrative preferredembodiments in FIGS. 1, 9, 61, and 92.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame havinga longitudinal axis, a deck supported by the frame, a mattress supportedby the deck, a first wheel positioned to support a head end of the frameat a first longitudinal location, a second wheel positioned to support afoot end of the patient support at a second longitudinal location, and apedal supported by the frame at a third longitudinal location. The pedalis configured to control at least one of the first and second wheels.The first longitudinal location is positioned between the second andthird longitudinal locations. For example, see illustrative preferredembodiments in FIGS. 61, 92, and 113.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame havinga base frame, an intermediate frame, and a plurality of lift armsconfigured to support the intermediate frame on the base frame and topermit movement of the intermediate frame between first and secondpositions relative to the base frame, and a deck supported by theintermediate frame. The patient support further includes a shroudsupported by the base frame. The shroud includes at least one openingtherein configured to permit movement of at least one other component ofthe patient support in the opening when the intermediate frame movesbetween the first and second positions. For example, see an illustrativepreferred embodiment in FIGS. 61 and 65.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress supported by the frame, and a barrier supported by the frame.The barrier is configured to move between a raised position blockingegress of a patient positioned on the mattress and a lowered position.The barrier is configured to move along a longitudinal axis when movedbetween the raised and lowered positions. For example, see anillustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS. 109-112.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress supported by the frame, a first barrier positioned to blockegress of a patient from the mattress, and a second barrier positionedto block egress of a patient from the mattress. The first barrierincludes a first pocket formed therein. The second barrier includes asecond pocket formed therein. The patient support further includes acontroller configured to be removably received in the first pocket ofthe first barrier and removably received in the second pocket of thesecond barrier. For example, see illustrative preferred embodiments inFIGS. 74-75 and 97-101.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress supported by the frame, a first barrier positioned to blockegress of a patient from the mattress, and a second barrier positionedto block egress of a patient from the mattress. The first barrierincludes a first pocket formed therein. The second barrier includes asecond pocket formed therein. The patient support further includes acontroller configured to be removably received in the first pocket ofthe first barrier and removably received in the second pocket of thesecond barrier. The patient support further includes a controller mountconfigured to be removably received in the first and second pockets andthe controller is coupled to the controller mount. For example, see anillustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS. 97-101.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, amattress supported by the frame and a controller. The controllerincludes a key control button and a plurality of input control buttons.Each of the plurality of input control buttons is configured to receivecommands from a user to control a function of the patient support. Thekey control button is configured to enable and disable the plurality ofinput control buttons to control the functions of the patient support.For example, see an illustrative preferred embodiment in FIG. 101.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anotherpatient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame havinga longitudinal axis, a deck supported by the frame, a mattress supportedby the deck, a first pair of wheels positioned to support a head end ofthe frame at a first longitudinal location, and a second pair of wheelspositioned to support a foot end of the patient support at a secondlongitudinal location. Each of the first and second pairs of wheelsincludes a blocking devices configured to block at least one of therotation or pivoting of the first and second wheels. The patient supportfurther includes a plurality of transfer links configured to coordinateoperation of the blocking devices of the first and second pairs ofwheels and a rod positioned at a third longitudinal locationlongitudinally spaced apart from the first and second longitudinallocations. The rod extends transversely between at least two of theplurality of transfer links to coordinate movement thereof. For example,see an illustrative preferred embodiment in FIG. 113.

According to the present disclosure, a mattress for use with a patientsupport is provided. The mattress includes a patient support surfacehaving a longitudinal axis. The mattress further includes a crowningbladder configured to move between a first position wherein the patientsupport surface is substantially flat and a second position creating acrown in patient support surface positioned on the longitudinal axisthereof. For example, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS.45, 49, and 50.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anothermattress for use with a patient support is provided. The mattressincludes a patient support surface. The mattress further includes afirming bladder including a plurality of cells configured to movebetween a first position having a first firmness and a second positionhaving a second firmness greater than the first firmness to providesubstantially firm support for the patient support surface. For example,see an illustrative preferred embodiment in FIGS. 40 and 42-45.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anothermattress for use with a patient support is provided. The mattressincludes a cover defining a patient support surface and an interiorregion. The mattress further includes a vibration motor positioned inthe cover to provide vibrations to the patient support surface. Forexample, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS. 42, 49, and 50.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anothermattress for use with a patient support is provided. The mattressincludes a head section, a seat section, and a foot section. The head,seat, and foot sections cooperate to define a patient support surface.At least on of the head, seat, and foot sections includes a fenceconfigured to block movement of the patient off of the patient supportsurface. For example, see illustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS.48-50.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anothermattress for use with a patient support is provided. The mattressincludes a head section, a seat section, and a foot section. The head,seat, and foot sections cooperate to define a patient support surface.At least on of the head, seat, and foot sections include a fenceconfigured to block movement of the patient off of the patient supportsurface. The patient support further includes a cover defining aninterior region and the head, seat, and foot sections are positioned inthe interior region. For example, see illustrative preferred embodimentsin FIGS. 48-50.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anothermattress for use with a patient support is provided. The mattressincludes a head section, a seat section, and a foot section. The head,seat, and foot sections cooperate to define a patient support surface.The foot section includes a fence configured to block movement of thepatient off of the patient support surface. For example, seeillustrative preferred embodiments in FIGS. 48-50.

According to the present disclosure, a pressure system for use with amattress of a patient support is provided. The mattress includes abladder. The pressure system includes a pressure source and a pressureregulator configured to maintain a pressure of fluid in the bladder ofthe mattress within a predetermined range. The pressure system furtherincludes a conduit configured to deliver fluid to the bladder from thepressure source when the pressure of the fluid in the bladder is belowthe predetermined range and remove fluid from the bladder when thepressure of the fluid is above the predetermined range. For example, seean illustrative preferred embodiment in FIG. 51.

According to the present disclosure, a frame for a patient support isprovided. The frame includes a base frame, an intermediate frame, and atleast three lift arms configured to support the intermediate frame onthe base frame and to permit movement of the intermediate frame betweenfirst and second positions relative to the base frame. Each of the liftarms includes a first link coupled to the base frame, a second linkcoupled to the intermediate frame, a third link pivotably coupled to thefirst and second links, and a fourth link pivotably coupled to the firstand second links. For example, see illustrative preferred embodiments inFIGS. 8-13 and 65.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, another framefor a patient support is provided. The frame includes a base frame, anintermediate frame, and a plurality of lift arms configured to supportthe intermediate frame on the base frame and to permit movement of theintermediate frame between first and second positions relative to thebase frame. Each of the lift arms includes first and second links, thefirst link being pivotably coupled to the base frame and pivotablycoupled to the intermediate frame. The second link is pivotably coupledto the first link and pivotably coupled to at least one of the baseframe and intermediate frame. For example, see illustrative preferredembodiments in FIGS. 1, 2-7, and 92-96.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, another framefor a patient support is provided. The frame includes a base frame, anintermediate frame, and at least one lift arm configured to support theintermediate frame on the base frame and to permit movement of theintermediate frame between first and second positions relative to thebase frame. At least one of the base and intermediate frames isconfigured to nest within the other of the at least one of the base andintermediate frames. For example, see an illustrative preferredembodiment in FIGS. 92-96.

Another patient support 2010 according to the present disclosure isshown in FIG. 116. Patient support 2010 includes a frame 2012, amattress 2014 supported by frame 2012, a headboard 2016, a footboard2018, a pair of head end siderails 2020, and a pair of foot endsiderails 2022. Frame 2012 includes a deck support 2024 and a deck 2026supporting mattress 2014 and extending between opposing head and footends 2025 and 2027. Deck support 2024 includes a base frame 2028supported on the floor 2029 by a plurality of caster wheels 2030, anintermediate frame 2032, a pair of lift arms 2034 configured to raiseand lower intermediate frame 2032 relative to base frame 2028, and aweigh frame 2036 supported by intermediate frame 2032. Deck 2026 issupported by weigh frame 2036 and is configured to articulate between aplurality of positions. As illustrated in FIGS. 116 and 118-122, deck2026 includes a head section 2038 pivotably coupled to weigh frame 2032,a seat section 2040 pivotably coupled to weigh frame 2032, and anadjustable length leg or foot section 2042 pivotably coupled to seatsection 2040.

Head end siderails 2020 are coupled to head section 2038 and may bemoved between raised and lowered positions. Foot end siderails 2022 arecoupled to weigh frame 2032 and may also be moved between raised andlowered positions.

A control system is provided to control various functions of patientsupport 2010. The control system operates and monitors a plurality oflinear actuators 2048 provided to extend and retract adjustable lengthleg section 2042, to move intermediate frame 2032 relative to base frame2028, to move head section 2038 relative to weigh frame 2032, to moveseat section 2040 relative to weigh frame 2032, and to move leg section2042 relative to seat section 2040.

The control system includes a plurality of input devices including adetachable siderail controller 2050 configured to removably couple toany of head and foot end siderails 2020, 2022, a first pair of permanentsiderail controllers 2052 coupled to head end siderails 2020, a secondpair of permanent siderail controllers 2054 pivotably coupled to headend siderails 2020, and a pair of foot pedal controls 2056 coupled tobase frame 2028.

As previously mentioned and as shown in FIG. 116, deck support 2024includes a base frame 2028 supported on the floor 2029 by a plurality ofcaster wheels or caster devices 2030, an intermediate frame 2032, a pairof lift arms 2034 configured to raise and lower intermediate frame 2032relative to base frame 2028, and a weigh frame 2036 supported byintermediate frame 2032. Linear actuators 2048 a, 2048 b, shown in FIG.117, provide power to actuate lift arms 2034 and in turn to raise andlower intermediate frame 2032 relative to base frame 2028.

As explained in more detail below, lift arms 2034 and linear actuators2048 a, 2048 b, commonly referred to as a hi/low mechanism, areconfigured to position deck support 2024 in at least the followingpositions: a raised or upper position wherein intermediate frame 2032and weigh frame 2036 are above base frame 2028 (FIGS. 116-121); a firstlowered position wherein at least a portion of intermediate frame 2032and/or weigh frame 2036 is nested within base frame 2028 (FIG. 122); aTrendelenburg position wherein a head end 2102 of intermediate frame2032 is lower than a foot end 2104 of intermediate frame 2032 (FIG.123); and a Reverse Trendelenburg position wherein foot end 2104 ofintermediate frame 2032 is lower than head end 2102 of intermediateframe 2032 (FIGS. 124, 125, and 126). One skilled in the art willappreciate that the positions shown in FIGS. 116-126 are exemplarypositions and that intermediate frame 2032 is positionable in a widevariety of positions relative to base frame 2028.

Referring to FIG. 117, lift arms 2034 include a pair of head links 2106pivotably coupled to head end 2102 of intermediate frame 2032 andslidably and pivotably coupled to base frame 2028, a pair of foot links2108 pivotably coupled to foot end 2104 of intermediate frame 2032 andslidably and pivotably coupled to base frame 2028, and a pair of guidelinks 2110 pivotably coupled to respective foot links 2108 and pivotablycoupled to base frame 2028 at a fixed pivot point. Alternatively, theguide links 2110 are pivotably coupled to the respective foot links2108, and the intermediate frame 2032, or pivotably coupled to therespective head links 2106 and the base frame 2028, or pivotably coupledto the respective head links 2106 and intermediate frame 2032. Infurther alternative embodiments, two sets of guide links 2110 areprovided, one set pivotably coupled to foot links 2108 and either baseframe 2028 or intermediate frame 2032 and one set coupled to head links2106 and either base frame 2028 or intermediate frame 2032.

Each head link 2106 is slidably coupled to base frame 2028 and pivotablycoupled to intermediate frame 2032. Alternatively, each of head links2106 is slidably coupled to either base frame 2028 or intermediate frame2032. As illustratively shown in FIG. 117, each head link 2106 isslidably and pivotably coupled to base frame 2028 at pivot 2113 by aslide block 2111. Slide block 2111 is pivotably coupled to a lowerportion 2112 of head link 2106 and slidably received in a guide 2114coupled to base frame 2028. In one embodiment, the material used forslide blocks 2111 and guides 2114 and the surface characteristics ofslide blocks 2111 and guides 2114 are chosen to reduce the coefficientof friction between slide blocks 2111 and guides 2114.

Guide 2114 includes an upper channel 2116 and a lower channel 2118 whichdefine two directions of travel 2120, 2121 for slide block 2111. Upperchannel 2116 and lower channel 2118 are further configured to restrictthe movement of slide block 2111 in any direction other than directionsof travel 2120, 2121. Slide blocks 2111 are preferred because they arecapable of spreading the load of intermediate frame 2032, deck 2026 andother patient support components over a larger surface area than othertypes of couplers. Alternative methods of coupling head links 2106 tobase frame 2028 can be used provided that the lower portion of headlinks 2106 can pivot relative to base frame 2028 and can move alongdirections of travel 2120, 2121. Examples include a roller, a pluralityof rollers, or interlocking members.

Illustratively, an upper end 2122 of each head link 2106 is pivotablycoupled to intermediate frame 2032 through a cross link 2124.Alternatively, head links 2106 are directly pivotably coupled tointermediate frame 2032. In a further alternative, head links 2106 arepivotably coupled to base frame 2028 and slidably and pivotably coupledto the intermediate frame 2032.

Cross link 2124 extends between each head link 2106 and is rigidlycoupled to each head link 2106. As such, cross link 2124 coordinates thesimultaneous movement of head links 2106. Cross link 2124 is receivedthrough openings (not shown) formed in intermediate frame 2032 and ispivotable relative to intermediate frame 2032. In one embodiment, abearing or other means is used to increase the ease by which cross link2124 pivots relative to intermediate frame 2032.

Each foot link 2108, is slidably and pivotably coupled to base frame2028. Illustratively each foot link 2108 is coupled to base frame 2028at pivot 2126 by slide block 2128 which is pivotably coupled to a lowerportion 2130 of foot link 2108 and slidably received in a guide 2132coupled to base frame 2028. Guide 2132 and slide block 2128 aregenerally identical to guide 2114 and slide block 2111 discussed inconjunction with head links 2106. As such, guide 2132 is configured torestrict the movement of slide block 2128 in any direction other thandirections of travel 2120, 2121. Alternative methods of coupling thefoot links 2108 to the base frame 2028 can be used provided that thelower portion of the foot links 2108 can pivot relative to the baseframe 2028 and can move along the directions of travel 2120, 2121.Examples include a roller, a plurality of rollers, or interlockingmembers.

An upper end 2134 of each foot link 2108 is pivotably coupled tointermediate frame 2032 through a cross link 2136. Alternatively, footlinks 2108 are directly pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame2032. Cross link 2136 is generally identical to cross link 2124 andcooperates with intermediate frame 2032 and foot links 2108 in the samemanner as cross link 2124 with intermediate frame 2032 and head links2106. Alternatively, upper end 2134 of each foot link 2108 is slidablyand pivotably coupled to intermediate frame 2032 and pivotably coupledto base frame 2028.

Guide links 2110 restrict the motion of foot links 2108 such that thepivot point 2138 between foot links 2108 and intermediate frame 2032 isrestrained to move vertically without moving horizontally. Thisrestriction prevents horizontal movement of intermediate frame 2032relative to base frame 2028 during the raising and lowering ofintermediate frame 2032. This restrained movement prevents intermediateframe 2032 from moving through an arc while moving between the upperposition of FIG. 117 and the lower position of FIG. 122 so thatintermediate frame 2032 can be raised and lowered without requiringadditional hospital room for clearance.

It will be appreciated that, in order for guide links 2110 to performthe restriction function, the distance between pivots 2140 (pivotbetween guide link 2110 and foot link 2108) and 2142 (pivot betweenguide links 2110 and base frame 2028) of guide links 2110 is one halfthe distance between pivot 2126 (pivot between slide blocks 2128 andbase frame 2028) and pivot 2138 (pivot between upper ends 2134 of footlinks 2108 and intermediate frame 2032). Further, each guide link 2110is pivotably coupled to the respective foot link 2108 at pivot 2140 thatis one half the distance between pivot 2126 of the associated slideblock 2128 and pivot 2138 of the upper end of the respective foot link2108. Thus, the distance between upper pivot 2140 of each guide link2110 and the lower pivot 2142 of each guide link 2110 is equal to thedistance between upper pivot 2140 of each guide link 2110 and upperpivot 2138 of each foot link 2108. As a result of this link geometry,upper pivots 2138 of foot links 2108 are maintained in verticalalignment with lower pivot 2142 of guide links 2110 during the raisingand lowering of intermediate frame 2032 relative to base frame 2028.

As stated earlier, linear actuators 2048 a, 2048 b provide power toactuate lift arms 2034 and in turn to raise and lower intermediate frame2032 relative to base frame 2028. Linear actuator 2048 a is coupled toand actuates head links 2106 and linear actuator 2048 b is coupled toand actuates foot links 2108. As such, foot end 2104 and head end 2102of intermediate frame 2032 can be raised and lowered independent of oneanother. Alternatively, head links 2106 and foot links 2108 of thedecking system are coupled together such that a single actuator raisesand lowers the head end 2102 and the foot end 2104 of the intermediateframe 2032 at the same time.

Illustratively, a first end 2146 of linear actuator 2048 a is coupled tohead links 2106 through an extension link 2148 that is rigidly coupledto cross link 2124 which, in turn, is rigidly coupled to head links2106. As shown in FIG. 117, first end 2146 is pivotably coupled toextension link 2148 through a fastener or pivot pin 2150. A second end2152 of linear actuator 2048 a is coupled to a first bracket 2154 whichis rigidly coupled to intermediate frame 2032. As shown in FIG. 117,second end 2152 is pivotably coupled to first bracket 2154 through afastener or pivot pin 2156.

Similarly, a first end 158 of linear actuator 2048 b is coupled to footlinks 2108 through an extension link 2160 that is rigidly coupled tocross link 2136 which, in turn, is rigidly coupled to foot links 2108.As shown in FIG. 117, first end 2158 is pivotably coupled to extensionlink 2160 through a fastener or pivot pin 2162. A second end 2164 oflinear actuator 2048 b is coupled to a second bracket 2166 which isrigidly coupled to intermediate frame 2032. Second end 2164 is pivotablycoupled to second bracket 2166 through a fastener or pivot pin 2168.

Each actuator 2048 a and 2048 b is preferably an electric linearactuator having respective cylinder bodies 2170, cylinder rods 2172, andmotors 2604 that operate to extend and retract cylinder rods 2172relative to cylinder bodies 2170. As such, actuators 2048 a and 2048 bhave variable lengths and therefore adjust the distance between pivotpins 2150, 2156 and pivot pins 2162 and 2168, respectively. In oneillustrative embodiment, actuators 2048 a and 2048 b are Linakactuators, Model No. LA34, available from LINAK U.S. Inc. Iocated at2200 Stanley Gault Parkway, Louisville Ky. 40223. Further, actuators2048 c, 2048 d, 2048 e, 2048 f are also illustratively electric linearactuators, and in one embodiment are also Linak actuators. Moreparticularly, actuator 2048 c is illustratively a Linak actuator, ModelNo. LA34 and actuators 2048 d-2048 f are illustratively Linak actuators,Model No. LA31. In alternative embodiments, all of the actuators 2048 orany one or more of the actuators are other types of electric actuators,pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, mechanical actuators, linksystems or other components known to those of ordinary skill in the artfor coordinating movement of components relative to one another.

The actuation of either actuator 2048 a or 2048 b alone causes eitherthe respective head end 2102 of intermediate frame 2032 or therespective foot end 2104 of intermediate frame 2032 to be raised orlowered relative to base frame 2028. Referring to FIG. 117, head end2102 of intermediate frame 2032 is lowered relative to base frame 2028by the retraction of cylinder rod 2172 a of actuator 2048 a. As cylinderrod 2172 a of actuator 2048 a is retracted, the distance between pivotpins 2150, 2156 is reduced. This reduction in pivot spacing causesextension link 2148 to move toward first bracket 2154 which in turncauses cross link 2124 and head links 2106 to rotate in direction 2176about pivot 2126. Since lower portions 2112 of head links 2106 arerestrained to move only in directions of travel 2120, 2121 of guide2114, the rotation of head links 2106 in direction 2176 causes lowerportions 2112 of head links 2106 to travel in direction 2120. As aresult upper ends 2122 of head links 2106 are lowered relative to baseframe 2028 and therefore head end 2102 of intermediate frame 2032 islowered relative to base frame 2028.

Head end 2102 of intermediate frame 2032 is raised relative to baseframe 2028 by the extension of cylinder rod 2172 of actuator 2048 a. Ascylinder rod 2172 of actuator 2048 a is extended the distance betweenpivot pins 2150, 2156 is increased. This increase in pivot spacingcauses extension link 2148 to move away from first bracket 2154 which,in turn, causes cross link 2124 and head links 2106 to rotate in adirection 2178 counter to direction 2176 about pivot 2126. The rotationof head links 2106 in direction 2178 counter to direction 2176 causeslower portions 2112 of head links 2106 to travel in direction 2121. As aresult, upper ends 2122 of head links 2106 are raised relative to baseframe 2028 and therefore, head end 2102 of intermediate frame 2032 israised relative to base frame 2028.

Foot end 2104 of intermediate frame 2032 is lowered relative to baseframe 2028 by the retraction of cylinder rod 2172 b of actuator 2048 b.As cylinder rod 2172 b of actuator 2048 b is retracted the distancebetween pivot pins 2162, 2168 is reduced. This reduction in pivotspacing causes extension link 2160 to move toward second bracket 2166which, in turn, causes cross link 2136 and foot links 2108 to rotate indirection 2180 about pivot 2138. Since lower portions 2130 of foot links2108 are restrained to move only in directions of travel 2120, 2121 ofguide 2132, the rotation of foot links 2108 in direction 2180 causeslower portions 2130 of foot links 2108 to travel in direction 2121. As aresult, upper ends 2134 of foot links 2108 are lowered relative to baseframe 2028 and therefore, foot end 2104 of intermediate frame 2032 islowered relative to base frame 2028.

Foot end 2104 of intermediate frame 2032 is raised relative to baseframe 2028 by the extension of cylinder rod 2172 b of actuator 2048 b.As cylinder rod 2172 b of actuator 2048 b is extended, the distancebetween pivots 2162, 2168 is increased. This increase in pivot spacingcauses extension link 2160 to move away from second bracket 2166 which,in turn, causes cross link 2136 and foot links 2108 to rotate in adirection 2182 counter to direction 2180 about pivot 138. The rotationof foot links 2108 in direction 2182 counter to direction 2180 causeslower portions 2130 of foot links 2108 to travel in direction 2120. As aresult, upper ends 2134 of foot links 2108 are raised relative to baseframe 2028 and therefore, foot end 2104 of intermediate frame 2032 israised relative to base frame 2028.

The simultaneous actuation of actuators 2048 a, 2048 b causes both headend 2102 and foot end 2104 of intermediate frame 2032 to raise or lowerrelative to base frame 2028. As shown in FIG. 117, the simultaneousextension of both actuators 2048 a, 2048 b causes both head end 2102 andfoot end 2104 of intermediate frame 2032 to raise relative to base frame2028 and intermediate frame 2032 to be spaced apart from base frame2028. The simultaneous retraction of both actuators 2048 a, 2048 bcauses both head end 2102 and foot end 2104 of intermediate frame 2032to lower relative to base frame 2028. It should be appreciated thatactuator 2048 a can be extended while actuator 2048 b is retracted,resulting in head end 2102 being raised while foot end 2104 is lowered,or that actuator 2048 a can be retracted while actuator 2048 b isextended, resulting in head end 2102 being lowered while foot end 2104is raised.

Further, in an alternative embodiment the direction of one of theactuators 2048 a, 2048 b is reversed such that to raise the intermediateframe 2032 relative to the base frame 2028 a first of the two actuators2048 a, 2048 b is extended and the second actuator 2048 b, 2048 a isretracted. Further, to lower the intermediate frame 2032 relative to thebase frame 2028 the second actuator 2048 b, 2048 a is extended and thefirst actuator 2048 a, 2048 b is retracted.

Referring further to FIG. 117, deck support 2024 is in an upper positionwhen actuators 2048 a and 2048 b are both extended. Deck support 2024 ismoved from the upper position of FIG. 117 to the Trendelenburg positionof FIG. 123 by retracting actuator 2048 a and thus lowering head end2102 of intermediate frame 2032. Deck support 2024 is returned to theupper position of FIG. 117 by extending actuator 2048 a back to itsprior length. Deck support 2024 is moved from the upper position of FIG.117 to the Reverse Trendelenburg position of FIGS. 124 and 125 byretracting actuator 2048 b and thus lowering foot end 2104. Deck support2024 is returned to the upper position of FIG. 117 by extending actuator2048 b back to its prior length.

Deck support 2024 is moved from the upper position of FIG. 117 to thelowered position of FIG. 122 by simultaneously retracting actuators 2048a, 2048 b and thus lowering both head end 2102 and foot end 2104 ofintermediate frame 2032. Deck support 2024 is moved back to the upperposition of FIG. 117 from the lowered position of FIG. 122 bysimultaneously extending actuators 2048 a, 2048 b. It should beappreciated that actuators 2048 a, 2048 b can place patient support 2010in a variety of positions from any starting position and that the upperposition shown in FIG. 117 is simply a reference starting position usedto explain the operation of deck support 2024.

Since actuators 2048 a, 2048 b retract and extend at substantially thesame rates, the simultaneous retraction of actuators 2048 a and 2048 bcauses intermediate frame 2032 to be maintained in a generallyhorizontal position as it is vertically transitioned from the upperposition of FIG. 117 to the lowered position of FIG. 122 and then raisedback again to the upper position of FIG. 117. Further, the controlsystem is configured to control each actuator 2048 a-f and therefore canindependently control the speed of each actuator 2048 a-f. Also, asdiscussed above, guide links 2110 are configured to generally maintainthe vertical alignment of intermediate frame 2032 and base frame 2028such that intermediate frame 2032 does not “swing” outwardly or inwardlyrelative to base frame 2028 as intermediate frame 2032 is transitionedbetween various positions.

One of the purposes of intermediate frame 2032 being configured to raiseand lower relative to base frame 2028 is to aid in the ingress of apatient to and egress of a patient from patient support 2010. To allowintermediate frame 2032 to lower further and thus provide additionalassistance in the ingress to and egress of the patient from patientsupport 2010, patient support 2010 is configured to provide a loweredposition, as shown in FIG. 122, wherein portions of deck support 2024nest within other portions of deck support 2024. Thus, an overall height2183 of deck support 2024 and, in turn, an overall height of mattress2014 is reduced. Further, by placing patient support 2010 in the loweredposition of FIG. 122, the possibility of patient injury due toaccidental egress from patient support 2010 is reduced due to the factthat the patient is closer to the floor 2029 than in conventionalpatient supports.

As shown in FIGS. 122 and 123, portions of intermediate frame 2032 areconfigured to nest within base frame 2028 and/or extend below base frame2028 when intermediate frame is in the lowered position. Alternatively,the base frame 2028 can be configured to nest within the intermediateframe 2032 when the intermediate frame 2032 is in the lowered position.As shown in FIGS. 117, 122, and 123, longitudinally-extending members2184, 2186 of intermediate frame 2032 define a first outer width 2188 ofintermediate frame 2032 that is less than an inner width 2190 defined bylongitudinally extending members 2192, 2194 of base frame 2028 andlifting arms 2034. Further, an outer length 2195 of intermediate frame2032 is less than an inner length 2197 of base frame 2028 and liftingarms 2034, illustratively shown as the separation between cross link185, shown in FIGS. 117 and 123, of head links 2106 and cross link 2187of foot links 2108. As such, as intermediate frame 2032 is lowered tothe lowered position, portions of intermediate frame 2032 are receivedwithin an interior region 2196 defined by base frame 2028 and liftingarms 2034, thereby reducing overall height 2183 of deck support 2024.

It should be noted that when deck support 2024 is in the loweredposition, head links 2106, foot links 2108 and guide links 2110 arerotated beyond horizontal, such that pivots 2126, 2138, 2140 aregenerally lower than pivots 2142, 2143, 2144. In one embodiment, headlinks 2106, foot links 2108 and guide links 2110 are generally rotatedfrom approximately 800 above horizontal in the upper position of FIG.117 to approximately 100 below horizontal in the lowered position ofFIG. 122. As shown in FIG. 117, intermediate frame 2032 includes aplurality of gussets 2208 which each include a stop surface 2210. Stopsurface 2210 is configured to contact and rest upon foot links 2104 andhead links 2106, respectively, when intermediate frame 2032 is fullylowered. Stop surfaces 2210 are configured to prevent other portions ofpatient support 2010, such as siderails 2020, 2022, from contacting baseframe 2028. Alternatively, the stop surface 2210 is configured tocontact and rest upon the base frame 2028.

It is further contemplated that portions of weigh frame 2036 areconfigured to nest within base frame 2028 when intermediate frame 2032is in the lowered position. Longitudinally extending members 2198, 2200,shown in FIGS. 118, 119, and 128, of weigh frame 2036 define an outerwidth 2202 of weigh frame 2036 that may be less than inner width 2190 ofbase frame 2028 and lifting arms 2034 (FIG. 122). Further, an outerlength 2204 of weigh frame 2036 may be less than inner length 2197 ofbase frame 2028 and lifting arms 2034. As such, as intermediate frame2032 is lowered to the lowered position, portions of weigh frame 2036 aswell as intermediate frame 2032 may nest within or extend below baseframe 2028 thereby further reducing overall height 2183 of deck support2024.

As noted above, intermediate frame 2032 is coupled to weigh frame 2036.As shown in FIG. 128, weigh frame 2036 includes longitudinally extendingmembers 2198, 2200 and transversely extending members 2211, 2213.

As shown in FIGS. 118-120 and as previously mentioned, deck 2026 iscoupled to weigh frame 2036 and includes several sections 2038, 2040,2042 that are configured to articulate between a plurality of positions.Head section 2038 is positioned adjacent headboard 2016 (FIG. 116) andis pivotably coupled to weigh frame 2036. In the illustrated embodimentas shown in FIGS. 129 and 131, a first end 2231 of head section 2038 ispivotably coupled to upwardly extending flanges 2230 of weigh frame 2036such that head section 2038 is rotatable about a pivot 2232. Headsection 2038 is further coupled to actuator 2048 c. In the illustratedembodiment actuator 2048 c is pivotably coupled to a downwardlyextending bracket 2233 of head section 2038 and to a bracket 2234 ofweigh frame 2036. Actuator 2048 c is configured to raise a second end2235 of head section 2038. As such, second end 2235 of head section 2038can be raised or lowered relative to first end 2231, by the extension orretraction of the length of cylinder 2172 c of actuator 2048 c.

Seat section 2040 is positioned adjacent head section 2038 and ispivotably coupled to weigh frame 2036. In the illustrated embodiment asshown in FIGS. 129 and 131, a first end 2236 of seat section 2040 ispivotably coupled to flanges 2230 of weigh frame 2036 such that seatsection 2040 is rotatable about a pivot 2237. Seat section 2040 isfurther coupled to actuator 2048 d. In the illustrated embodiment,actuator 2048 d is pivotably coupled to a downwardly extending bracket2238 of seat section 2040 and to bracket 2234 of weigh frame 2036.Actuator 2048 d is configured to raise a second end 2256 of seat section2040. As such, second end 2239 of seat section 2040 may be raised orlowered relative to first end 2236, by the extension or retraction ofthe length of cylinder 2172 d of actuator 2048 d.

Leg or foot section 2042 is positioned adjacent seat section 2040 and ispivotably coupled to seat section 2040. In the illustrated embodiment asshown in FIGS. 129 and 131, second end 2239 of seat section 2040 ispivotably coupled to a first end 2244 of leg section 2042 such that legsection 2042 is rotatable about a pivot 2241. Leg section 2042 isfurther coupled to actuator 2048 e. In the illustrated embodiment,actuator 2048 e is slidably coupled to a bracket 2246 of leg section2042 and is pivotably coupled to a bracket 2248 of weigh frame 2036.Actuator 2048 e is configured to raise a second end 2250 of leg section2042. As such, second end 2250 of leg section 2042 can be raised orlowered relative to first end 2244, by the extension or retraction ofthe length of cylinder 2172 e of actuator 2048 e. Ifactuator/mechanism/linkage 2048 e extends at the same time as actuator2048 d, leg section 2042 remains substantially horizontal and parallelwith frame 36 as shown in FIG. 137. If actuator/mechanism/linkage 2048 edoes not extend, leg section 2042 deviates from being substantiallyhorizontal and parallel with frame 36 as shown in FIG. 120.

Deck 2026 is configured to support mattress 2014. As shown in FIG. 129,head section 2038 and seat section 2040 each includes angled side walls2260 a, 2260 b, 2262 a, 2262 b, respectively. Further, head section 2038and seat section 2040 each includes substantially flat lower deckportions, floors or walls 2264, 2266 connected to side walls 2260 a,2260 b, 2262 a, 2262 b, respectively. Angled side walls 2260 a, 2260 band floor 2264 and angled side walls 2262 a, 2262 b and floor 2266 eachcooperate to define a support surface for a portion of mattress 2014. Asshown in FIG. 129, the angled walls 2260 a, 2260 b, 2262 a, 2262 b areoriented to form obtuse angles with their respective floors 2264, 2266.In one illustrative embodiment, the angle formed is approximately 135degrees. According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure,the obtuse angles between the side walls and the floor may range fromslightly more than 90 degrees to slightly less than 180 degrees.According to other alternative embodiments of the present disclosure,the angles are right angles or acute angles.

The lowered central portion, generally corresponding to floors 2264,2266 of head section 2038 and seat section 2040, respectively, providesample space for mattress 2014 to be positioned. By having a loweredcentral portion, the pivot of a patient's hip when the patient ispositioned on mattress 2014 is more in line with pivots 2232, 2237 ofhead section 2038 and seat section 2040 and provides ample space toprovide a mattress 2014 that provides adequate support for the patient.In one illustrative embodiment, the position of the pivot of the hip ofthe patient is about two inches above the pivots 2232, 2237 of the headand seat sections 2038, 2040 of the deck 2026. In another illustrativeembodiment, the position of the pivot of the hip of the patient isgenerally in line with the pivots 2232, 2237 of the head and seatsections 2038, 2040 of the deck 2026. By minimizing the distance betweenthe pivot of the patient's hip and the pivots 232, 237 of the head andseat sections 2038, 2040, the amount of shear exerted against thepatient is reduced as either the head or seat 2038, 2040 section israised or lowered. By reducing the amount of shear exerted against thepatient, the possibility of the patient experiencing skin breakdown isreduced.

As further shown in FIG. 129, head section 2038 and seat section 2040further have tapered adjacent end portions 2268, 2269 providingclearance therebetween during titling of head section 2038 or duringtilting of seat section 2040.

In one illustrative embodiment, as previously described, the distancebetween the pivot of a patient's hip and pivots 2232, 2237 is about twoinches. Referring to FIG. 132, this translates into about a two inchthick section 2270 of mattress 2014 at the edge of the deck 2026. Thethickness of the mattress 2014 at the edge of the deck 2026,illustratively about two inches, provides needed support for the lateraltransfer of the patient into and out of patient support 2010. Further,the thickness of the mattress 2014 at the edge of the deck 2026 providesa grip 2271 for the patient to grasp to aid in the egress from patientsupport 2010. In one embodiment the thickness of grip 2271 is about twoinches.

Referring further to FIG. 129, leg or foot section 2042 is transverselycontoured similar to head section 2038 and seat section 2040. However,leg section 2042 further includes a first leg section member 2290 and asecond leg section member 2292 which are movable relative to each otherand thereby allow leg section 2042 to be positioned in a retractedposition, shown best in FIG. 131, and in an extended position shown bestin FIG. 133. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the head section2038, seat section 2040 and leg section 2042 are comprised of multiplesection members that are movable relative to each other to allow therespective section to lengthen or retract.

Referring to FIGS. 129 and 134, first leg section member 2290 includes agenerally flat floor or wall 2294 and angled side walls 2291 a, 2291 b.Second leg section member 2292 includes a generally flat floor or wall2298 and angled side walls 2300 a, 2300 b. Floor 2298 and side walls2300 a, 2300 b of second leg section member 2292 are configured tooverlay floor 2294 and side walls 2291 a, 2291 b of first leg sectionmember 2290. As such, second leg section member 2292 is configured toslide over first leg section member 2290 as leg section 2042 istranslated between an extended position (FIG. 133) and a retractedposition (FIG. 131), or between a retracted position (FIG. 131) and anextended position (FIG. 133). Alternatively, the first leg sectionmember 2290 is configured to slide over the second leg section member2292 as the leg section 2042 is translated between an extended positionand a retracted position, or between a retracted position and anextended position.

Referring further to FIGS. 131 and 133, second leg section member 2292is translated relative to first leg section member 2290 by actuator 2048f. A first end 2302 of actuator 2048 f is coupled to first leg sectionmember 2290 and a second end 2304 of actuator 2048 f is coupled tosecond leg section member 2292. In the illustrated embodiment, first end2302 of actuator 2048 f is coupled to a bracket 2303 of first legsection member 2290. Similarly, second end 2304 of actuator 2048 f iscoupled to a bracket 2305 of second leg section member 2292. To extendsecond leg section member 2292 relative to first leg section member2290, cylinder rod 2172 f of actuator 2048 f is extended. To retractsecond leg section member 2292 relative to first leg section member2290, cylinder rod 2172 f of actuator 2048 f is retracted. In thepreferred embodiment, actuator 2048 f is an electric actuator, such as aLinak actuator, and is controlled by the control system. In alternativeembodiments the actuator 2048 f is a mechanical actuator, a pneumaticactuator, a hydraulic actuator, a link system or other suitable means tomove the second leg section member 2292 relative to the first legsection member 2290.

First leg section member 2290 and second leg section member 2292 aremaintained in longitudinal alignment at least in part by guide members2306 a, 2306 b. Illustratively, guide member 2306 a, 2306 b aretelescoping tubes that extend and retract in a linear fashion as thefirst and second leg section members 2290 and 2292 move relative to eachother. As shown in FIG. 133, a first end 2308 of guide members 2306 arecoupled to first leg section member 2290 and a second end 2310 of guidemembers 2306 are coupled to second leg section member 2292. As such asactuator 2048 f extends or retracts, guide members 2306 are configuredto extend or retract opposite sides of second leg section member 2292 atthe same rate, thereby preventing the second leg section 2292 and thefirst leg section 2290 from binding. In alternative embodiments, theguide members may comprise slide blocks and guide channels, interlockingmembers, rollers and associated races, or other suitable guiding means.

Referring to FIGS. 129 and 134, second leg section member 2292 isfurther guided relative to first leg section member 2290 by operablycoupled interlocking portions 2312 a, 2314 a of angled walls 2291 and2300 a, respectively, and by operably coupled interlocking portions 2312b, 2314 b of angled walls 2293 and 2300 b, respectively.

Referring further to FIGS. 129 and 134, floor 2294 of first leg sectionmember 2290 and floor 2298 of second leg section member 2292 areseparated by a separator 2316. Separator 2316 is made of a material,such as plastic, that assists in the movement of second leg sectionmember 2292 relative to first leg section member 2290. In theillustrated embodiment, separator 2316 includes a plurality of flexiblefinger members 2318 which are coupled to second leg section member 2292and contact first leg section member 2290. Fingers 2318 are connected tosecond leg section member 2292 to maintain the position of fingers 2318at the interface between first leg section member 2290 and second legsection member 2292. In alternative embodiments, separator 2316 maycomprise a strip attached to the end of the second leg section member2292, a series of rollers, or other means to facilitate the sliding ofthe second leg section member 2292 relative to the first leg sectionmember 2290.

In alternative embodiments other suitable extendable foot sections 2042may be used. Illustrative suitable foot sections include the patientsupports and corresponding foot sections described in U.S. Pat. No.6,212,714 issued Apr. 10, 2001 to Allen et al., the disclosure of whichis expressly incorporated by reference herein, and U.S. Pat. No.6,163,903 issued Dec. 26, 2000 to Weismiller et al., the disclosure ofwhich is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

As previously mentioned, leg section 2042 of deck 2026 is adjustable inlength so that it can be moved from a retracted position to an extendedposition. Preferably, the length of leg section 2042 is adjusteddepending upon the height of the patient positioned on mattress 2014 sothat the patient's foot is positioned adjacent to footboard 2018, shownin FIG. 116. For example, leg section 2042 is extended to position theheels of a tall patient adjacent to footboard 2018. Leg section 2042 isretracted to position the heels of a shorter patient adjacent tofootboard 2018. Also illustratively, mattress 2014 is configured to beextended and retracted with leg section 2042 as discussed in more detailherein.

According one embodiment of the present disclosure, the length of legsection 2042 corresponds to the position of head section 2038. Forexample, if head section 2038 is raised to the titled position as shownin FIG. 134, leg section 2042 of deck 2026 is controlled by the controlsystem to automatically extend by a given distance. If head section 2038is lowered, leg section 2042 is controlled by the control system toautomatically retract to its pre-extended position. More particularly,the control system coordinates movement of head section 2038 and legsection 2042 by simultaneously controlling actuators 2048 c and 2048 f.By corresponding the extension and retraction of leg section 2042 withthe movement of head section 2038, the patient's foot is maintainedabove heel pressure relief member 2154 of mattress 2014. Furthermore, iffootboard 2018 is used as a foot prop, the patient's foot is maintainedat a steady distance relative to footboard 2018 during raising andlowering of head section 2038.

Preferably, the degree of automatic extension of leg section 2042 is afunction of the angle of head section 2038. The further up head section2038 is raised from a generally linear relationship with seat section2040, the more leg section 2042 is extended so that a heel pressurerelief member of mattress 2014 is continuously positioned under thepatient's heel throughout the range of motion of head section 2038.

As stated previously, patient support 2010 is positionable in aplurality of positions. Referring to FIGS. 116, 118, and 135, headsection 2038, seat section 2040 and leg section 2042 are in a linearrelationship relative to each other. In one illustrative embodiment,head section 2038, seat section 2040 and leg section 2042 are placed inthe linear relationship by the control system in response to a singlebutton being depressed on one of the controllers.

Referring to FIG. 119, head section 2038 is rotated about pivot 2232such that second end 2235 is raised relative to first end 2231. Secondend 2235 is raised by the control system controlling actuator 2048 c tofurther extend cylinder 2172 of actuator 2048 c. In one illustrativeembodiment, head section 2038 is raised by the control system inresponse a first button being depressed on one of the controllers andlowered by the control system in response to a second button beingdepressed on the same controller.

Also, shown in FIG. 119, seat section 2040 is rotated about pivot 2237such that second end 2239 is raised relative to first end. Second end2239 is raised by the control system controlling actuator 2048 d tofurther extend cylinder 2172 d of actuator 2048 d. Leg section 2042, inFIG. 119, is raised due to the rotation of seat section 2040 and thecoupling of leg section 2042 to seat section 2040, but leg section 2042remains in a generally horizontal position due to the rotation ofactuator 2048 e. In one illustrative embodiment, seat section 2040 israised by the control system in response to a first button beingdepressed on same and lowered by the control system in response to asecond button being depressed on the same controller.

Referring to FIG. 120, head section 2038 and seat section 2040 are ingenerally the same position as in FIG. 119. However, second end 2250 ofleg section 2042 has been lowered such that second end 2250 is lowerrelative to first end 2244. Second end 2250 is lowered relative to firstend 2244 by the control system controlling actuator 2048 e to furtherretract cylinder 2172 e of actuator 2048 e. In one illustrativeembodiment, head section 2038, seat section 2040 and leg section 2042are placed in the configuration shown in FIG. 120 by the control systemin response to a chair button on one of the controllers being depressed.In an alternate embodiment, the leg section 2042 is raised by thecontrol system in response to a leg section up button being depressed onone of the controllers, and lowered by the control system in response toa leg section down button being depressed on the same controller.

Referring further to FIGS. 119, 120, 131, and 133, the weight ofactuator 2048 e and leg section 2042 maintains a first end 2320 ofactuator 2048 e adjacent a first end 2322 of slot 2324 in bracket 2246as cylinder 2172 e of actuator 2048 e is retracted, as opposed to firstend 2320 of actuator 2048 e traveling towards a second end 2326 of slot2324. The configuration of deck in FIG. 120 is an illustrative firstchair-like position.

Further, leg section actuator 2048 e is lengthened by the control systemwhen seat section 2040 is lowered from the elevated position shown inFIG. 120. Leg section actuator 2048 e is lengthened to prevent anyinterference between leg section 2042 and seat section 2040.

FIG. 121 illustrates leg section 2042 not being movable between theposition of leg section 2042 in FIG. 119 and the position of leg sectionin FIG. 120, due to an obstruction 2330 impeding the movement of legsection 2042. Example obstructions include a cart, a wheelchair, atable, a trashcan or any other item. As shown in FIG. 121, when legsection 2042 encounters obstruction 2330 first end 2320 of actuator 2048e travels along elongated slot 2324 in the direction of arrow 2325toward second end 2326 of slot 2324. As such, slot 2324 serves as asafety device to avoid crushing obstruction 2330 and to avoiddestruction of actuator 2048 e and damage to patient support 2010.

The length of slot 2324 is selected to allow actuator 2048 e to movefrom a fully extended position to a fully retracted position while firstend 2320 of actuator 2048 e travels in slot 2324. As such, actuator 2048e will encounter the end of its range of motion or travel (fullyretracted) before or coincident with first end 2320 of actuator 2048 ereaching second end 2326 of slot 2324. Therefore, leg section 2042 willnot crush or otherwise damage obstruction 2330 due to the continuedpressure applied by actuator 2048 e, actuator 2048 e will not be damageddue to a larger than expected load being placed on actuator 2048 e, andpatient support 2010 will not be damaged.

Alternative methods may be used to keep the leg section 2042 fromdamaging the obstruction and to keep from damaging the actuator 2048 e.A first example is to monitor the load placed on the actuator 2048 ewith the the control system and to disengage or reverse the motion ofthe actuator 2048 e in response to a larger than expected load forretracting the actuator 2048 e. A second example is to place a pressuresensor along the bottom of the leg section 2042 and to disengage theactuator 2048 e when a higher than expected pressure is detected. Anillustrative sensor may be the obstacle detection system of the presentinvention disclosed herein. Other known safety systems may also be used.

In alternative embodiments, the elongated slot 2324 is located on thebracket 248 attached to the weigh frame 2036 and the actuator 2048 e ispivotably coupled to the leg section 2042 and slidably and pivotablycoupled to the weigh frame 2036. In a further alternative embodiment,the elongated slot 2324 is located on the joint between the leg section2042 and the seat section 2040 such that the leg section 2042 and theseat section 2040 are pivotably and slidably coupled, the leg section2042 and the actuator 2048 e are pivotably coupled and the actuator 2048e and the weigh frame 2036 are pivotably coupled. In still furtheralternative embodiments, the elongated slot 2324 feature is incorporatedinto the configuration for the head section 2038, is incorporated intothe configuration for the seat section 2040, or is incorporated into thelifting arms 2034 configuration.

Referring to FIG. 125, a second chair-like configuration of patientsupport 2010 is shown. Head section 2038, seat section 2040 and legsection 2042 of deck 2026 are generally oriented relative tointermediate frame 2032 as shown in FIG. 120. However, deck support 2024is positioned generally in a Reverse Trendelenburg position, whereinfoot end 2104 of intermediate frame 2032 is lower than head end 2102 ofintermediate frame 2032. Deck support 2024 is placed in the secondchair-like position by retracting actuator 2048 b, shown in FIG. 117,and thus lowering foot links 2108. In one illustrative embodiment,patient support 2010 is placed in the configuration shown in FIG. 125 bythe control system in response to a first button being depressed on oneof the controllers and in response to a second button being depressed onone of the controllers. In an alternative embodiment, the patientsupport is placed in the configuration shown in FIG. 125 in response toa button being depressed on the controllers. In a further alternateembodiment, the patient support 2010 is placed in the configuration ofFIG. 120 in response to a first chair button on one of the controllersbeing depressed and is placed in the configuration of FIG. 125 inresponse to a second chair button on the same the controller beingdepressed.

A further safety device 2340 is shown in FIG. 130 and is coupled to legsection 2042. Safety device 2340 includes bracket 2305 rigidly coupledto leg section 2042 and a roller 2344 rotatably coupled to bracket 2305.Safety device 2340 similar to slot 2324 protects patient support 2010from damage and also protects an obstruction, such as obstruction 2330or the floor 2029 (FIG. 121), from damage. Alternatively, the roller2344 of the safety device 2340 is directly coupled to or integrated withthe leg section 2042, thereby eliminating the bracket 2305.

In FIG. 126, patient support 2010 is transitioned to the second-chairlike configuration, however either due to the fact that leg section 2042is extended, discussed in more detail herein, or that deck support 2024is somewhat lowered, second end 2250 of leg section 2042 contacts thefloor and could potentially be damaged prior to patient support 2010fully transitioning to the second chair like position. As shown in FIG.126, safety device 2340 is configured to translate second end 2250 ofleg section 2042 in a direction 2341 while leg section 2042 rotates in adirection 2343 to avoid damage to leg section 2042.

As second end 2250 of leg section 2042 is translated in direction 2341and leg section 2042 is rotated in direction 2343 relative to seatsection, first end 2320 of actuator 2048 e is traveling within slot2324. As discussed earlier in connection with FIG. 121, slot 2324 allowsthe actuator 2048 e to continue to retract without further lowering legsection 2042. However, in the current case, wherein patient support 2010is transitioning from the first chair-like configuration of FIG. 120 tothe second chair-like configuration of FIG. 125, actuator 2048 e is notretracting. In the current case of FIGS. 125 and 126, first end 2320 ofactuator 2048 e, a fixed link (since not retracting or extending),travels within slot 2324 and thus leg section 2042 rotates to avoidcrushing the obstruction or causing damage to the patient support 2010.As such, safety device 2340 functions in concert with slot 2324. Itshould be appreciated that roller 2344 reduces the friction between thefloor 2029 and leg section 2042, thereby allowing leg section 2042 tomore easily rotate and translate.

A further instance wherein safety device 2340 protects both leg section2042 and an obstruction from damage is when deck 2026 is in a linearconfiguration with leg section 2042 in an extended position and thepatient support 2010 is moved to a Reverse Trendelenburg position from alow position. As shown in FIG. 127, patient support 2010 istransitioning from a low position, wherein both actuators 2048 a and2048 b, shown in FIG. 117, are generally retracted, to a ReverseTrendelenburg position, wherein actuator 2048 b remains generallyretracted and actuator 2048 a is generally extended to raise head end2102 of intermediate frame 2032 relative to foot end 2104. In such aconfiguration, the second end 2250 of leg section 2042 could eithercontact the floor 2029 or an obstruction 2348, such as a foot. In eithercase, safety device 2340 and safety device 2324 cooperate to rotate legsection 2042 relative to seat section 2040 and thereby reduce thelikelihood of damage to both leg section 2042 and the obstruction 2348.

According to the present disclosure, the various features of thebedframes, decks, mattresses, headboards, footboards, siderails,controllers, and other components of the various embodiment beds of thepresent disclosure may be exchanged or used in combination with thefeatures of the other beds disclosed herein or beds known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

The features of the present disclosure have been described with respectto beds, but they can also be used on examination tables, stretchers,gurneys, wheel chairs, chair beds, or any other patient support devicesfor supporting a person during rest, treatment, or recuperation.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference tocertain illustrated embodiments, variations and modifications existwithin the scope and spirit of the present invention as described anddefined in the following claims.

1. A patient support comprising a base, a frame supported by the base,an articulating deck supported by the frame, the deck including a backsection, a seat section, and a leg section, a first linkage coupled tothe seat section to move the seat section between first and secondpositions relative to the frame, and a second linkage coupled to the legsection to move the leg section between first and second positionsrelative to the seat section, wherein the leg section remainssubstantially horizontal in the first position when the seat sectionmoves from the first position to the second position and the leg sectiondeviates from being substantially horizontal in the second position whenthe seat section moves from the first position to the second position,and wherein the second linkage is operable to vary an angle between theseat section and the leg section when the seat section is in the secondposition.
 2. The patient support of claim 1, further comprising a pairof first links pivotably coupled to the leg section of the deck and apair of second links pivotably coupled to the frame and the first links,the first and second links being configured to move between firstposition and second positions, when in the first position, the first andsecond links are rigidly coupled to provide a rigid link between the legsection and the frame so that the leg section remains substantiallyhorizontal when the seat section moves from the first position to thesecond position, when in the second position, the first link is free topivot relative to the second link so that the leg section deviates frombeing substantially horizontal when the seat section moves from thefirst position to the second position, the mechanism further includes atransversely extending link couple between the pairs of first and secondlinks to coordinate movement thereof.
 3. The patient support of claim 2,wherein the mechanism includes a link, the frame includes a pin, thelink includes a first end pivotably coupled to the leg section of thebed and a second link having a notch sized to receive the pin of theframe, the link is movable from a first position with the pin positionedin the notch and second position with the pin spaced apart from thenotch, when the link is in the first position, the leg section remainssubstantially horizontal when the seat section moves from the firstposition to the second position, when the link is in the secondposition, the leg section deviates from being substantially horizontalwhen the seat section moves from the first position to the secondposition.
 4. A patient support comprising a base a frame supported bythe base, an articulating deck supported by the frame, the deckincluding a back section, a seat section configured to support at leasta seat section of a patient positioned on the patient support, and a legsection, a first linkage coupled to the seat section to move the seatsection between first and second positions relative to the frame, and asecond linkage coupled to the leg section to move the leg sectionbetween first and second positions relative to the seat section, thesecond linkage comprising a linear actuator, wherein the leg sectionremains substantially horizontal in the first position when the seatsection moves from the first position to the second position and the legsection deviates from being substantially horizontal in the secondposition when the seat section moves from the first position to thesecond position.
 5. The patient support of claim 4, further comprising aplurality of lift arms configured to raise and lower the frame relativeto the base.
 6. A patient support comprising a base, a frame supportedby the base, a deck supported by the frame, the deck including a seatsection pivotable relative to the frame to move between first and secondpositions and a leg section pivotable relative to the seat section tomove between first and second positions, and a linkage having a firstend and a second end coupled to the leg section of the deck, the linkagehaving a first configuration wherein a distance between the first andsecond ends remains substantially constant during movement of the seatsection between the first and second positions and a secondconfiguration wherein the distance substantially decreases duringmovement of the seat section between the first and second positions. 7.The patient support of claim 6, wherein the linkage includes a firstlink pivotably coupled to the leg section of the deck, and a second linkpivotably coupled to the first link.
 8. The patient support of claim 7,wherein the second link is pivotably coupled to the frame.
 9. Thepatient support of claim 6, wherein the leg section has an adjustablelength.
 10. The patient support of claim 6, wherein the linkage has anadjustable length.
 11. The patient support of claim 10, wherein thelinkage includes telescoping members.
 12. The patient support of claim6, further comprising lift arms configured to raise and lower the framerelative to the base.
 13. A patient support comprising a base, anelongate frame supported by the base, a deck supported by the frame, thedeck including a back section, a seat section pivotable relative to theframe to move between first and second positions, the seat section beinglocated adjacent the back section, and a leg section pivotable relativeto the seat section, the seat section and leg section cooperating todefine an angle when the seat section is in the second position, thedeck not being longitudinally movable relative to the frame when theseat section moves from the first position to the second position, and aselector to select the angle defined between the seat and leg sectionwhen the seat section is in the second position.
 14. The patient supportof claim 13, wherein the selector includes a linkage having first andsecond links.
 15. The patient support of claim 13, wherein the selectorincludes a linear actuator.
 16. The patient support of claim 13, whereinthe selector extends to the leg section.
 17. The patient support ofclaim 16, wherein the selector extends to the frame.
 18. The patientsupport of claim 17, further comprising a mattress supported by theframe, a siderail coupled to the frame, and a controller to articulatesections of the deck to move the patient support from a substantiallyhorizontal position to a chair-like position.
 19. The patient support ofclaim 18, wherein the mattress includes a back portion, a seat portion,and a leg portion, and the leg portion is adjustable in length.
 20. Thepatient support of claim 19, wherein the leg portion includes aplurality of transversely extending members.